Key takeaways
Spiriva Handihaler and Spiriva Respimat (tiotropium), and Advair (fluticasone / salmeterol), are FDA approved to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Spiriva Respimat and Advair are also approved to treat asthma. But they work differently and have some important differences. Spiriva is an anticholinergic medication that relaxes the airways, making it easier to breathe. It’s typically used once daily. Spiriva Handihaler has a generic version available but Spiriva Respimat doesn’t. Advair combines a corticosteroid (fluticasone) that reduces inflammation and a long-acting beta-agonist (salmeterol) that opens airways. There are two versions available (Advair Diskus and Advair HFA). It’s used twice daily usually and there’s generic versions available.
