Spiriva with Handihaler (Tiotropium handihaler)

Additional information

Spiriva with Handihaler (Tiotropium handihaler) is typically inhaled once daily in the morning using the Spiriva capsules. However, your doctor or pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Place the capsule in the center chamber of the HandiHaler Inhaler. The capsule shell should be discarded after the medication has been taken. Do not swallow the capsule shell. Close mouthpiece firmly until a click is heard, leaving dust cap open. The capsule is pierced by pressing and releasing the green piercing button on the side of the HandiHaler device. Exhale fully. Close your lips tightly around mouthpiece, do not exhale into inhaler. Tilt your head slightly back and inhale (rapidly, steadily, and deeply), the capsule vibration (rattle) may be heard within the device. Hold your breath for a few seconds then repeat the procedure using the same tiotropium capsule to ensure complete inhalation of capsule contents. Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed. If you forget a dose, contact your pharmacist. 

WARNING: Tiotropium is intended for use with other medications to treat asthma. It should not be used to treat asthma alone. It does not provide fast relief from asthma symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath. Always carry a short-acting beta-agonist, such as salbutamol, with you to treat sudden flare-ups of symptoms. Tiotropium can worsen symptoms of bladder problems. Use with caution in patients with glaucoma (increased eye pressure), prostate hyperplasia (enlarged prostate gland), and in severe kidney impairment. Occasionally, inhaled Tiotropium may cause the airways to spasm and close up, making breathing even more difficulty (bronchospasm) and can be life-threatening. This product may contain lactose. 

In addition to its desired action, Spiriva with Handihaler (Tiotropium handihaler) may cause some side effects, notably:
It may cause a bad taste in your mouth, a dry mouth or throat, voice changes or hoarseness, or nosebleed.
It may cause constipation, cough, dizziness, skin infection or sores, sore throat, or infections of the sinus (hollow spaces within the bones between your eyes, behind your cheekbones, and in your forehead). 
It may cause a dry skin, joint swelling, rash, itching, or trouble sleeping. 

Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to ipratropium, tiotropium, or any component of the formulation.

Taking Spiriva with Handihaler (Tiotropium handihaler) during pregnancy may be harmful for the baby. Women of childbearing potential should use an effective contraceptive method. Pregnant women should not use this product. If you're planning a pregnancy or become pregnant or breastfeeding, contact your family doctor.

A treatment with Spiriva with Handihaler (Tiotropium handihaler) requires regular monitoring by a doctor. Be sure to see your doctor for all regularly scheduled appointments.Spiriva with Handihaler (Tiotropium handihaler)