• Spiriva Respimat is prescribed to treat the symptoms of COPD in adults
• The inhaler is sometimes used to treat adults and children aged 6 or older with severe asthma
• The inhaler contains the bronchodilator tiotropium to help keep the airways open
• Spiriva Respimat is a preventer inhaler
• It is important to read the patient leaflet for a full list of side effects and cautions.

The tiotropium in Spiriva Respimat helps to keep the symptoms of COPD and asthma under control. Tiotropium is a long acting bronchodilator. Bronchodilators work by relaxing the muscles around the airways, helping to open the passageways to make it easier to breathe.

Spiriva Respimat can also help to reduce the risk of exacerbations of COPD or asthma occurring. However, many people also need a reliever inhaler to treat any exacerbations that occur.

Spiriva Respimat contains a solution of tiotropium that is inhaled via the inhaler. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s information to ensure you take your inhaler properly. The following may help you understand how to set up and use your inhaler. 

The inhaler case is supplied with cartridges which contain tiotropium. On first use, you will need to insert one cartridge as follows:

Inhaler Set Up

1. Keeping the inhaler cap closed, remove the clear base by holding down the safety catch and pulling the base off.
2. Insert one cartridge into the inhaler.
3. Place the inhaler on a firm surface and then push down firmly until the cartridge clicks into place.
4. Mark the tick box on the inhaler to keep track of how many cartridges you have used so far. 
5. Put the clear base back on. It will click when it is in place.

Prime the Inhaler

Once the cartridge is inserted, you need to prime the inhaler so that the medication is ready to take. 

1. Turn the clear base in the direction of the arrows (half a turn), you should hear a click.
2. Open the cap so that it snaps fully open.
3. Point the inhaler towards the ground.
4. Press the dose release button and watch for a cloud of medication (this may not occur at first). Close the cap after pressing the button once.
5. Repeat steps 1 to 4 until a cloud is visible when pressing the dose release button.
6. The inhaler is now ready to use and will deliver 30 doses (60 puffs).

Take the Inhaler

1. Sit or stand up straight to take your inhaler.
2. With the cap closed, turn the clear base in the direction of the arrows (half a turn), you should hear a click.
3. Open the cap so that it snaps fully open.
4. Breathe out slowly and fully.
5. Place the inhaler between your lips to form a seal. Don’t bite the inhaler, and avoid covering the air vents with your fingers.
6. Point the inhaler to the back of your throat.
7. While taking a slow, deep breath, press the dose release button and continue to breathe in slowly and deeply.
8. Remove the inhaler from your mouth and hold your breath for 10 seconds, or as long as is comfortable.
9. Breathe out slowly.
10. To take the next puff, close the cap and repeat steps 2 to 9. 
11. After two puffs, close the cap until the next dose the following day.

The cartridge will need replacing after 30 days (30 doses), when the cartridge will show a red sticker to indicate is has been used up. A warning sticker will show when there are less than 10 puffs (5 days) remaining. At this point you must ensure you have another cartridge available for use.

Spiriva Respimat inhaler should be taken once a day, with two puffs taken every morning.

Each puff contains 2.5 micrograms of tiotropium.

Like all medications, Spiriva Respimat can have some side effects. The most common side effects include:

• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Altered taste
• Blurred vision
• Throat irritation
• Acid reflux
• Oral thrush (fungal infection of the mouth)
• Rash
• Difficulty passing urine.

These side effects are likely to settle down, but if they persist or become troublesome you should speak to your doctor for further advice. If you think you have a mouth infection, you should speak to your doctor as treatment may be required. If you have difficult passing urine, speak to your doctor.

Serious allergic reactions happen very rarely. If you have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) including breathlessness, lip swelling or tongue swelling, call 999 immediately.

Spiriva Respimat may not be suitable for everyone. You should tell your prescriber if you:

• Have an allergy to tiotropium or any ingredient in Spiriva Respimat
• Have glaucoma
• Have an enlarged prostate
• Have an obstruction at the neck of the bladder
• Have had a heart attack in the last 6 months
• Have a heart rhythm abnormality
• Have severe kidney disease
• Are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding.

Your prescriber can then advise whether Spiriva Respimat is a suitable medication for you.

Occasionally, using a new inhaler can lead to worsening of your symptoms. If you notice shortness of breath, wheeze, or a persistent cough after taking Spiriva Respimat, use your reliever inhaler and contact your doctor straight away.

Some medications can interact with Spiriva Respimat. You may be advised that Spiriva Respimat will not suit you if you already take:

• Another medication for asthma or COPD
• Beta blockers
• Steroids
• Antihistamines
• Mucolytics
• Medications for overactive bladder or diarrhoea
• Muscle relaxants
• Medications to aid sleep.

Because Spiriva Respimat may not suit everyone, we will complete a Consultation with you including a health questionnaire. This will ensure that the medication will be suitable for you.

A qualified prescriber will review your current medications, including any herbal remedies or supplements, to ensure that Spiriva Respimat will not interact with them. 

Once prescribed, Spiriva Respimat will be ordered on your behalf via electronic prescription. Spiriva Respimat will then be conveniently dispatched from one of our partner pharmacies.

Can I buy Spiriva Respimat online?

You can safely buy Spiriva online at EU Meds. You will first need to have an online consultation with a pharmacist independent prescriber before your order will be supplied. The online consultation will ensure that Spiriva is the right medication for your medical condition.

Do I need a prescription for Spiriva Respimat?

Yes, in order to purchase Spiriva Respimat you will need a valid prescription. Please note, all requests for supply of prescription medications are subject to an online clinical consultation and the decision to prescribe will be made by a doctor.