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About SPIRIVA

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SPIRIVA: A Way to Help You Breathe Better

COPD can weigh you down by making breathing difficult. But you do have power to help manage it — with a maintenance treatment that can be an effective ally in your efforts to breathe better: SPIRIVA.

SPIRIVA works by relaxing the tiny muscles in your airways and helps keep them open. More air can move in and out of your lungs. This helps you breathe better.

If you´re thinking about taking SPIRIVA, or if you have a prescription that you haven´t yet filled, this section can help you take the next step.

If you have COPD, ask your doctor about how to manage it, and if it´s time for you to start taking SPIRIVA.

If you already have a SPIRIVA prescription, what are you waiting for? We´ll help you get off to a strong start.

  • Why SPIRIVA

    SPIRIVA, taken once a day, every day, can help you breathe better for a full 24 hours. It can even help reduce the likelihood of COPD flare-ups.

    Learn more >

  • What to Expect

    How can you tell SPIRIVA is working? What are the most common side effects and how can you manage them?
    Learn more >

  • How to Use SPIRIVA

    SPIRIVA is inhaled once a day, every day. Read helpful instructions for using your HandiHaler.
    Learn more >

  • Make It a Habit

    Elephants never forget — but you might need a few tricks to remember to take SPIRIVA every day.
    Learn more >

  • Free Patient Support

    You need to manage COPD every day. We´ll be there to help support you, from day one.
    Learn more >

Share this page

If you have a friend or a loved one who's having breathing difficulties, you may want to share this information with them so they can learn more about COPD.

What you'll send them is a direct link to this page. Your name will be included so that your friend or loved one will know who sent this email to them. To make sure they receive this, you'll need to fill out all of the fields below.

  • Please enter your name.
  • Please enter your email address in the format of name@domain.com.
  • Please enter your friend's name.
  • Please enter your friend's email address in the format of name@domain.com.

Message sent! To send another, type in another friend's name and email address.

The names and email addresses provided will be used solely to send the link to your friend. This information will not be stored or used for any other purpose than to transmit this message.

You're leaving the SPIRIVA Web site

You are now leaving a Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. site. Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has not reviewed the contents of all pages and sites that may be linked to this site. Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is not responsible and disclaims any liability for the content of any other page or site or for any viruses or similar harmful programs that may be present on such pages or sites. Linking to any other page or site is at your own risk.

Continue Stay on the SPIRIVA site.

Reward yourself

Choose a small incentive — a matinee with a friend or a massage — and treat yourself when you've remembered to take SPIRIVA for seven straight days.

Eating for health

A nutritionist could help you revamp your diet for better health. Ask your doctor for a referral.
Learn more >

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 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.

  • SAR00803

  • SV152404CONS

This information is for U.S. residents only. Products discussed herein may have different labeling in different countries.
Copyright © 2011, 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 07/11

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