Spiriva is an anticholinergic agent. It works by enlarging the airways to allow easier breathing. It comes as a capsule containing dry powder, which is inhaled through the mouth using the HandiHaler device.
Spiriva is used to prevent bronchospasm (narrowing of the airways in the lungs) in people with bronchitis, emphysema, or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
Spiriva may also be used for other purposes not listed here.
The health and medical information provided here is for general purposes only and is not a substitute for the expertise and judgment of your physician, or other health care professional. It should not be understood to indicate that the use of this medicine is safe, appropriate or effective for you. Always consult your health care professional before using this, or any other, drug.
Spiriva capsules are for use only in the HandiHaler device. Use only one capsule at a time. Do not take the capsules by mouth.
Before using Spiriva, tell your doctor if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, or an enlarged prostate or bladder obstruction. If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use Spiriva or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
Spiriva is used to prevent bronchospasm attacks. Do not use Spiriva to treat a bronchospasm attack that has already begun. It will not work fast enough to reverse your symptoms. Use only a fast-acting inhalation medication to treat an attack. Talk with your doctor if any of your medications do not seem to work as well in treating or preventing bronchospasm attacks.
Use Spiriva exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use it in larger doses or for longer than recommended by your doctor.
Call your doctor right away if you feel that this medicine is not working as well as usual, or if it makes your condition worse. If it seems like you need to use more of any of your medications in a 24-hour period, talk with your doctor.
Stop using Spiriva and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
tongue swelling or redness;
sores or white patches of your mouth, lips, or tongue; or
urinating less than usual or not at all.
Less serious Spiriva side effects may include:
dry mouth, cough, hoarseness;
blurred vision;
trouble swallowing;
nausea, constipation, upset stomach;
stuffy nose, nosebleed;
fast heart rate;
drowsiness; or
white patches in your mouth or throat.
Use Spiriva exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use it in larger doses or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Spiriva is used to prevent bronchospasm attacks. Do not use Spiriva to treat a bronchospasm attack that has already begun. It will not work fast enough to reverse your symptoms. Use only a fast-acting inhalation medication to treat an attack. Talk with your doctor if any of your medications do not seem to work as well in treating or preventing bronchospasm attacks.
Spiriva and its inhaler device come with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Spiriva capsules are for use only in the HandiHaler device. Use only one capsule at a time. Do not take the capsules by mouth.
It is important to use Spiriva regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
Call your doctor right away if you feel that this medicine is not working as well as usual, or if it makes your condition worse. If it seems like you need to use more of any of your medications in a 24-hour period, talk with your doctor.
To be sure Spiriva is helping your condition, your lung function will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Keep each Spiriva capsule in its blister pack until you are ready to place the capsule into the HandiHaler and use the device for your dose. Store Spiriva at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
