Overview of Spiriva Handihaler 

Spirva Handihaler is an inhaler medicine that is used to treat the symptoms of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), such as bronchospasm and chronic bronchitis. It functions by relaxing the muscles in and around the airways. The relaxed muscles allow the airways to open up so that a person can breathe freely without any issues. Spiriva Handihaler generic also helps in treating Asthma and can be found in two forms capsules and spray bottles. 

Uses of Spiriva Handihaler 

Spiriva generic is used for treating COPD and Asthma, two major chronic lung disorders. It contains an anticholinergic agent responsible for opening the airways, helping to breathe easily. Spiriva handihaler is a brand-name medication and its generic equivalent is tiotropium bromide. It has been commonly used for treating and preventing emphysema and chronic bronchitis since 2004. 

Best way to take Spiriva Handihaler 

• It’s preferred that the medication is taken at the same time every day. Your doctor will prescribe the dosage of the medicine. 
• Do not take Spiriva more than recommended dosage set by your doctor. Read the patient’s leaflet that comes along with the medicine. If you have any queries confer with your doctor.
• Spiriva capsules are suggested to be used only with Handihaler. The Handihaler device is only to be used for Spiriva capsules and not with any other medicine. Spriva capsules should not be swallowed. Do not take the capsule out if you are not planning to take the medicine right away. Throw the empty capsule after you have taken a dose.
• If you miss your medicine’s dosage, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s time for you to take the next dosage, just take a regular dose. Do not double dose or take extra medicine for the dose missed. Do not take the medicine for more than one time in 24 hours.
• Doctors suggest storing the medicine in a tightly closed container. It should be kept at room temperature, and try keeping it away from direct light, heat, and moisture.

Spiriva Handihaler Warnings and Interactions 

• Inform your doctor about the other lung disorder medications that you might be taking.
• Make sure to consult your doctor before making any changes in your dosage.
• Do not skip any appointments with your doctor, as he will regularly check your progress and the effects of the medicine.
• Do not share your pills with anyone else.
• A few medications can interact with tiotropium. Keep your doctor informed about any new medication you might be starting.
• Spiriva Handihaler can cause problems like Increased breathing, also known as Paradoxical bronchospasm.
• It’s not recommended to drive or do anything which needs your attention under the effect of this medicine.
• Do not use Spiriva if you have had any allergic response to atropine, ipratropium, and tiotropium.
• Make sure to keep the medicine away from children and pets.
• It’s not recommended to share your drug prescription with anyone else.

Other Drugs that will affect Spiriva 

Let your doctor know, especially if you are taking the following drugs: 

• Medications to treat anxiety, mental illness, depression, or any other mood disorder.
• Medication for an allergy or cold like Benadryl etc.
• Medication for treating Parkinson’s disease.
• Any other asthma medication or bronchodilator
• Medication to treat irritable bowel syndrome and stomach problems.
• Medication to treat motion sickness.
• Medication to treat BPH or overactive bladder.

Side Effects of Spiriva Handihaler 

Severe Side Effects : 

• Vision problems like pain in the eye, redness, and seeing halos around the lights.
• Troubled breathing.
• Painful urination, Difficulty urinating, change in the frequency of urination.
• Allergic reactions like swollen face, hands, throat, and mouth, itching or hives, and chest tightness.
• Sore or white patches on your tongue, lips, or mouth
• Wheezing or choking like feeling after taking the medicine

Common Side Effects : 

• Dry mouth
• Sore throat
• Fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Upset stomach
• Fast heart rate
• Chest pain

Pros and Cons of Spiriva Handihaler

PROS: 

• It helps prevent flare-ups and attacks.
• Has lesser side effects
• It doesn’t increase your heart rate like Ventolin or Proventil, which contain albuterol.
• It is to be used daily one time.

CONS

• It’s not fast enough and can’t be used as a rescue inhaler for attacks.
• Its brand version is very expensive.
• If you use a handihaler, you might have to breathe in quickly and forcefully to inhale the capsule’s contents.