7 Spiriva Side Effects You Should Know About
The Spiriva Respimat inhaler may cause dry mouth, sore throat, and cough. Read on to review a list of Spiriva side effects and ways to cope with common reactions.
Spiriva Respimat
Used for Asthma, COPD
Used for Asthma, COPD
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.
What is Spiriva Respimat?
What is Spiriva Respimat used for?
- Maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults
- Maintenance treatment of asthma in people ages 6 years and older
How Spiriva Respimat works
Spiriva Respimat (tiotropium) is an anticholinergic medication. It's also called a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA).
It works by blocking proteins called muscarinic receptors in your lungs. This relaxes the muscles around your airways so you can breathe more easily.
When does Spiriva Respimat start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Spiriva Respimat |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | LAMA |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
More on Spiriva Respimat essentials
Side effects of Spiriva Respimat
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
COPD:
- Sore throat (12%)
- Cough (6%)
- Dry mouth (4%)
- Sinus inflammation (3%)
Asthma:
- Sore throat (16%)
- Headache (4%)
- Sinus inflammation (3%)
- Bronchitis (3%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Dizziness
- Fast heart rate
- Thrush (fungal infection in the mouth)
- Hoarseness
Spiriva Respimat serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Allergic reaction: hives, itching, swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing
- Worsening breathing symptoms
More on Spiriva Respimat side effects
The following Spiriva Respimat side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss
- Trouble passing urine
- Wheezing or trouble breathing that is worse after use
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Get your GoodRx coupon
$701.49
GoodRx discount
$520.35
Pros and cons of 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
Pharmacist tips for Spiriva Respimat
- Make sure you read the Instructions for Use before using Spiriva Respimat for the first time. Ask your pharmacist or prescriber if you need help using the inhaler.
- Always carry your rescue inhaler, such as albuterol (Ventolin), in case you have sudden trouble breathing. Spiriva Respimat doesn't work fast enough to treat a sudden COPD or asthma attack.
- Keep using Spiriva Respimat every day, even if you feel better. It helps keep your airways open throughout the day. Over time, it also helps prevent COPD or asthma flare-ups.
- A sore throat is a common side effect of Spiriva Respimat. Sucking on ice chips, gargling with warm salt water, or sucking on lozenges might help. Tell your care team if your sore throat doesn't go away or becomes severe.
- Tell your care team about all the medications, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products you take. They can check for drug interactions with Spiriva Respimat. For example, using it with other anticholinergic medications can raise your risk of certain side effects.
How to use Spiriva Respimat:
- To set up a new Spiriva Respimat inhaler, remove the clear base and insert the narrow end of the cartridge. Press the inhaler down on a firm surface until the cartridge clicks into place. Then, put the clear base back on and turn it in the direction of the black arrows until it clicks (about a half-turn).
- Prime a new Spiriva Respimat inhaler before using it for the first time. With the cap closed, turn the clear base until it clicks. Then open the cap, point the inhaler toward the ground, and press the dose-release button until you see a mist. Repeat until you see 3 more times (or until you've seen 4 mists).
- If you haven't used your Spiriva Respimat inhaler for more than 3 days, spray it once toward the ground before using it. If you haven't used it for more than 21 days (3 weeks), repeat the full 4-spray priming process.
- To inhale the medication with Spiriva Respimat, remember TOP. Turn the clear base until it clicks. Open the cap and breathe out fully away from the inhaler. Place your lips around the mouthpiece without covering the air vents, and point the inhaler toward the back of your throat. Press the dose-release button while taking a slow, deep breath in through your mouth. Hold your breath for up to 10 seconds, or as long as comfortable, then breathe out slowly.
- Repeat the steps to inhale the medication one more time. Two inhalations from Spiriva Respimat make up your full daily dose.
- Clean your Spiriva Respimat inhaler at least once a week. Wipe the mouthpiece, including the metal part inside, using a damp tissue or cloth only.
Risks and warnings for Spiriva Respimat
Spiriva Respimat can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Not a rescue inhaler
Spiriva Respimat helps control your COPD symptoms over time. The medication doesn't work fast enough to treat sudden trouble breathing. Always carry your rescue inhaler in case you need it for these situations.
Serious allergic reactions
- Risk factors: History of allergic reaction to atropine, tiotropium, or ipratropium
Although rare, some people can have serious allergic reactions to Spiriva Respimat. Symptoms can include hives, rash, itching, trouble breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Get emergency medical help right away if this happens.
Tell your prescriber if you've ever had an allergic reaction to atropine or ipratropium. These medications are similar to Spiriva Respimat, so you might also react to it.
Sudden airway tightening (bronchospasm)
Like all inhaled medications, Spiriva Respimat can sometimes make your airways suddenly tighten (bronchospasm) after you use it. If this happens, use your rescue inhaler and call your prescriber right away. You might need to switch to a different medication.
Worsening glaucoma
- Risk factors: History of narrow-angle glaucoma
Let your prescriber know if you have narrow-angle glaucoma before using Spiriva Respimat. This medication can make this eye condition worse. Your prescriber can make sure it's safe for you. Call your prescriber or optometrist right away if you have new eye pain, blurry vision, or see halos around lights while using Spiriva Respimat.
Trouble urinating
- Risk factors: History of having a blockage in your urinary tract that makes it hard to empty your bladder | History of enlarged prostate
Spiriva Respimat can make it harder to urinate. This might be worse if you also have an enlarged prostate or another condition that make it hard to empty your bladder. Tell your prescriber right away if you have trouble urinating or pain when you urinate while using Spiriva Respimat.
Higher risk of side effects with kidney problems
- Risk factors: History of moderate or severe kidney problems
If you have kidney problems, Spiriva Respimat can build up in your body and raise your risk of side effects. You might have more side effects, like dry mouth, blurry vision, a fast heart rate, or constipation. Tell your prescriber if you notice any of these symptoms.
Spiriva Respimat dosage
The average cost for 1 respimat inhaler of 60 doses of 2.5mcg per actuation of Spiriva Respimat is $520.50 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 28.66% off the average retail price of $729.63. 
Respimat inhaler
Respimat inhaler| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 doses of 1.25mcg per actuation | 1 respimat inhaler | $520.35 | $520.35 |
| 60 doses of 2.5mcg per actuation | 1 respimat inhaler | $520.50 | $520.50 |
Typical dosage for Spiriva Respimat
Spiriva Respimat is available as a 1.25 mcg/puff and 2.5 mcg/puff metered-dose inhaler. The medication is inhaled through the mouth using the Respimat device.
-
COPD
- Adults: Use the 2.5 mcg/puff inhaler. The typical dose is 2 inhalations by mouth once a day.
-
Asthma
- People age 6 years and older: Use the 1.25 mcg/puff inhaler. The typical dose is 2 inhalations by mouth once a day.
How much does Spiriva Respimat cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Spiriva Respimat (brand)
$520.35
Spiriva Respimat contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Spiriva Respimat will not be safe for you to take.
- Allergy to tiotropium or ipratropium
What are alternatives to Spiriva Respimat?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Spiriva Respimat. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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