Spiriva Respimat

Spiriva Respimat

What is Spiriva Respimat?

Spiriva Respimat is also used to prevent asthma attacks in adults and children aged 6 years and over.

Spiriva Respimat may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Side effects of Spiriva Respimat

If necessary, get emergency medical helpSigns of an allergic reaction: hives, itching; difficult breathing; Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Spiriva Respimat can cause serious side effects. Call your doctor immediately if you have:

• Wheezing, choking or other breathing problems after using Spiriva Respimat;

• blurred vision, eye pain or redness, seeing halos around lights;

• sores or white spots on the mouth, lips, or tongue;

• pain or burning when urinating; or

• little or no urination.

Common side effects of Spiriva Respimat may include:

• dry mouth;

• blurred vision;

• constipation, painful urination;

• abdominal pain;

• chest pain, fast heartbeat; or

• Cold symptoms such as stuffy or runny nose, sinus pain, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

A tiotropium capsule may only be used in the HandiHaler device.Do not take the capsule orally.Use only one capsule at a time.

Before you take this medicine

You should not use Spiriva Respimat if you are allergic to tiotropium or ipratropium (Atrovent, Combivent, DuoNeb).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• angle-closure glaucoma;

• kidney disease;

• a milk allergy; or

• an enlarged prostate or problems urinating.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether tiotropium will harm an unborn baby. However, uncontrolled asthma during pregnancy can lead to premature birth, low birth weight of the baby, or complications such as eclampsia (dangerous high blood pressure that can lead to medical problems in both mother and baby). The benefits of asthma treatment may outweigh the risks to the baby.

Breastfeeding may not be safe while using this medication. Ask your doctor about any risks.

Spiriva Respimat is not approved for use by people under 6 years of age.

How should I use Spiriva Respimat?

Follow all instructions on your prescription label and read any medication guides or instructions for use. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Spiriva Respimat is not an emergency medication for attacks of bronchospasm.If you have an attack, use only fast-acting inhalation medications. See a doctor if your breathing problems get worse quickly or if you think your medications aren't working as well.

Carefully read and follow all instructions for use that come with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Spiriva Respimat powder is packaged in capsules intended only for use with a special inhaler device (Spiriva HandiHaler). Do not take the capsule orally.

Spiriva Respimat Aerosol is a cartridge that is inserted into a special inhaler device (Spiriva Respimat). Rotating the base of the Respimat device until it clicks releases the medicine into the inhalation chamber.

Any child using Spiriva Respimat should be supervised by an adult when using this medicine.

Frequent pulmonary function tests may be required.

Store this medicine at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

Do not remove a tiotropium capsule from the blister pack until you are ready to place the capsule in the HandiHaler and use the device.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as possible, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for the next dose. Do not use two doses at the same time.

Do not use more than twice within 24 hours.

Get your prescription refilled before you completely run out of medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help hotline at 1-800-222-1222.

Symptoms of overdose may include dry mouth, red eyes, constipation, stomach pain, and confusion or drowsiness.

What should I avoid when using Spiriva Respimat?

Avoid getting the powder from a tiotropium capsule in your eyes.In this case, call your doctor.

Avoid driving and dangerous activities until you know how Spiriva Respimat affects you. Your reactions may be affected.

What other drugs will affect Spiriva Respimat?

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you are taking, especially:

• medicines used to treat depression, anxiety, mood disorders or mental illness;

• cold or allergy medications (Benadryl and others);

• Medicines for the treatment of Parkinson's disease;

• medicines to treat stomach problems, motion sickness or irritable bowel syndrome;

• medicines to treat overactive bladder; or

• Bronchodilator asthma medications.

This list is not complete. Other medications can affect tiotropium, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

More information

Remember to keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medicine only for the prescribed indication.