Spiriva Handihaler vs. Spiriva Respimat for COPD: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Spiriva HandiHaler

Spiriva Respimat

Summary for Spiriva Handihaler

Prescription only

Spiriva HandiHaler (tiotropium) is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA). It helps control chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults. It comes as an inhaler that uses capsules filled with the medication. The usual dose is two inhalations from the same capsule once a day. Side effects can include dry mouth and upper respiratory tract infections.

Indications for Spiriva Handihaler

Maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults

Pros and Cons for Spiriva Handihaler

Pros

Helps prevent COPD flare-ups
Used once daily
Most side effects are mild
Doesn't contain steroids

Cons

Not used as a rescue inhaler for attacks
Can be hard for some people to use
Can cause dry mouth as a side effect
Not approved for asthma

Common Side Effects for Spiriva Handihaler

Upper respiratory tract infection (41%)
Dry mouth (16%)
Sinus inflammation (11%)
Sore throat (9%)
Urinary tract infection (7%)
Chest pain (7%)
Indigestion (6%)
Runny, itchy, or stuffy nose (6%)

Warnings for Spiriva Handihaler

Not a rescue inhaler
Serious allergic reactions
Sudden airway tightening (bronchospasm)
Worsening glaucoma
Trouble urinating
Higher risk of side effects with kidney problems

Summary for Spiriva Respimat

Prescription only

Spiriva Respimat (tiotropium) is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA). It's used to help control chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults. It's also approved as maintenance treatment of asthma in people 6 years and older. Spiriva Respimat comes as an inhaler that releases a fine mist of medication. The inhaler dosage you use depends on whether you have COPD or asthma. In general, you take 2 inhalations from the inhaler once a day. A common side effect is sore throat.

Indications for Spiriva Respimat

Maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults
Maintenance treatment of asthma in people ages 6 years and older

Pros and Cons for Spiriva Respimat

Pros

Can be used for both COPD and asthma
Used once daily
Medication comes out as a fine mist that's easier for some people to inhale
Doesn't contain steroids

Cons

Not used as a rescue inhaler for attacks
Can cause dry mouth
Need to prime a new inhaler and if you haven't used it in a while
Need to clean the inhaler at least once a week

Common Side Effects for Spiriva Respimat

COPD:

Sore throat (12%)
Cough (6%)
Dry mouth (4%)
Sinus inflammation (3%)

Asthma:

Sore throat (16%)
Headache (4%)
Sinus inflammation (3%)
Bronchitis (3%)

Warnings for Spiriva Respimat

Not a rescue inhaler
Serious allergic reactions
Sudden airway tightening (bronchospasm)
Worsening glaucoma
Trouble urinating
Higher risk of side effects with kidney problems

Prices with our coupons for Spiriva Handihaler vs. Spiriva Respimat

Tiotropium1 inhaler / 30 capsules of 18mcg per capsule

$76.57$362.29

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Spiriva Respimat1 respimat inhaler / 60 doses of 2.5mcg per actuation

$520.50$729.63

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Spiriva Handihaler vs. Spiriva Respimat