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COPD Information

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COPD Causes

In the United States, the leading cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is cigarette smoking.

Other risks include:

  • Pipe, cigar, and other tobacco smoking
  • Passive exposure to cigarette smoke
  • Inhaling large amounts of dust or chemicals at work or at home
  • A rare genetic condition called Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Deficiency

Quitting smoking is hard, but worth it

You already know — and you're probably tired of hearing — that quitting smoking is the only thing you can do to slow the progress of COPD. But if it were that simple, millions of smokers with breathing problems surely would have quit by now. The fact is, cigarettes are highly addictive, and quitting is both a physical and a behavioral challenge.

Most smokers try to quit 6 to 9 times in their lifetime. Try rethinking the way you may have tried quitting in the past. Studies show that you can increase your chances of quitting by combining treatment and support.

Talk to your doctor about the programs and products available to help you quit, including nicotine replacement therapy and prescription medicines.

Health benefits of quitting smoking

    • SHORT TERM

    • LONG TERM

    • 20 minutes after quitting
      Your heart rate drops.
    • 12 hours later
      The carbon monoxide level in your blood (increased by smoking) tends to drop to normal.
    • After 2 weeks to 3 months
      Your heart attack risk begins to drop and your lung function begins to improve.
    • 1 to 9 months after quitting
      Your coughing and shortness of breath decrease.
    • After 1 year
      Your added risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker.
    • 5 to 15 years after quitting
      Your stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker.
    • At 10 years
      The lung cancer death rate is reduced to about half that of a smoker. Your risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, and pancreas decreases.
    • At 15 years
      Your risk of coronary heart disease is back to that of a nonsmoker.

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Find a cigarette substitute

When you want to smoke, chew on gum, carrots, or celery sticks instead.

Accept a helping hand

Ask a friend or family member to keep you busy with activities while you're trying to quit smoking. Learn how family, friends, and community can help >

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION (please scroll)

Do not use Spiriva® HandiHaler® (tiotropium bromide inhalation powder) if you are allergic to tiotropium or ipratropium (e.g., Atrovent®) or any of the ingredients in SPIRIVA. If your breathing suddenly worsens, your face, throat, lips, or tongue swells, you get hives, itching or rash, stop taking SPIRIVA and seek immediate medical help.

SPIRIVA HandiHaler is not a rescue medicine and should not be used for treating sudden breathing problems.

Do not swallow SPIRIVA capsules. The contents of the capsule should only be inhaled through your mouth using the HandiHaler device.

If you have vision changes or eye pain or if you have difficulty passing urine or painful urination, stop taking SPIRIVA and call your doctor right away.

Tell your doctor if you have glaucoma, problems passing urine or an enlarged prostate, as these may worsen with SPIRIVA. Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems or are allergic to milk proteins. Ask your doctor if you are not sure. Also discuss with your doctor all the medicines you take, including eye drops.

The most common side effect with SPIRIVA is dry mouth. Others include constipation and trouble passing urine. For a complete list of reported side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not let the powder from the SPIRIVA capsule get into your eyes.

Dizziness and blurred vision may occur with SPIRIVA. Should you experience these symptoms, you should use caution when engaging in activities such as driving a car or operating appliances or other machines.

Read the Patient Information and the step-by-step Instructions for Use for SPIRIVA before you use your inhaler.

INDICATION

SPIRIVA® HandiHaler® (tiotropium bromide inhalation powder) is a prescription medicine used once each day (a maintenance medicine) to control symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by relaxing your airways and keeping them open. COPD includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both.

SPIRIVA HandiHaler also reduces the likelihood of flare-ups and worsening of COPD symptoms (COPD exacerbations).

The information provided on this site is for general information and educational purposes only. You should always consult a doctor for diagnosing and treating a health or fitness problem, and before using any drug product discussed on this site.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Click here for full Prescribing Information and Instructions for Use.

DISCLAIMER

The tips contained on this site convey general information and are not intended to be, nor should they be used as, a replacement for the advice of a licensed physician. Your doctor knows your specific condition. As with all things medical, you should talk to your doctor before you start any treatment, exercise, diet, or other lifestyle change.

  • SAR00869

  • SV182800CONS

This information is for U.S. residents only. Products discussed herein may have different labeling in different countries.
Copyright © 2012, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. All rights reserved. Use of this site is subject to the Internet Site Legal Notices and Disclaimers and Privacy Policy. Date 01/12

*According to IMS NPA Market Dynamics, May 2011.
PI Information PI Information PI Information PI Information PI Information PI Information PI Information PI Information PI Information PI Information PI Information PI Information PI Information PI Information PI Information PI Information PI Information PI Information PI Information PI Information

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION (please scroll)

Do not use Spiriva® HandiHaler® (tiotropium bromide inhalation powder) if you are allergic to tiotropium or ipratropium (e.g., Atrovent®) or any of the ingredients in SPIRIVA. If your breathing suddenly worsens, your face, throat, lips, or tongue swells, you get hives, itching or rash, stop taking SPIRIVA and seek immediate medical help.

SPIRIVA HandiHaler is not a rescue medicine and should not be used for treating sudden breathing problems.

Do not swallow SPIRIVA capsules. The contents of the capsule should only be inhaled through your mouth using the HandiHaler device.

If you have vision changes or eye pain or if you have difficulty passing urine or painful urination, stop taking SPIRIVA and call your doctor right away.

Tell your doctor if you have glaucoma, problems passing urine or an enlarged prostate, as these may worsen with SPIRIVA. Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems or are allergic to milk proteins. Ask your doctor if you are not sure. Also discuss with your doctor all the medicines you take, including eye drops.

The most common side effect with SPIRIVA is dry mouth. Others include constipation and trouble passing urine. For a complete list of reported side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not let the powder from the SPIRIVA capsule get into your eyes.

Dizziness and blurred vision may occur with SPIRIVA. Should you experience these symptoms, you should use caution when engaging in activities such as driving a car or operating appliances or other machines.

Read the Patient Information and the step-by-step Instructions for Use for SPIRIVA before you use your inhaler.

INDICATION

SPIRIVA® HandiHaler® (tiotropium bromide inhalation powder) is a prescription medicine used once each day (a maintenance medicine) to control symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by relaxing your airways and keeping them open. COPD includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both.

SPIRIVA HandiHaler also reduces the likelihood of flare-ups and worsening of COPD symptoms (COPD exacerbations).

The information provided on this site is for general information and educational purposes only. You should always consult a doctor for diagnosing and treating a health or fitness problem, and before using any drug product discussed on this site.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Click here for full Prescribing Information and Instructions for Use.

DISCLAIMER

The tips contained on this site convey general information and are not intended to be, nor should they be used as, a replacement for the advice of a licensed physician. Your doctor knows your specific condition. As with all things medical, you should talk to your doctor before you start any treatment, exercise, diet, or other lifestyle change.