Relax Your Airways & Breathe Better | Make SPIRIVA® HandiHaler® (Tiotropium Bromide Inhalation Powder)

About SPIRIVA

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Make Breathing Better a Daily Habit

We all know that bad habits are hard to break. And, by now, you've probably learned that good habits can be just as hard to make. But here's the thing: The word chronic in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) means there's no cure. So you need to start managing it today, and keep on managing it tomorrow, and the next day — every day, in fact — if you want to help keep your COPD symptoms under control.

Here's why it's worth making SPIRIVA a part of your daily routine. SPIRIVA may help you:

Breathe better for a full 24 hours by relaxing your airways
Have fewer COPD flare-ups
Depend less on your rescue inhaler

Tips for taking SPIRIVA

Until taking your daily dose of SPIRIVA becomes as natural as, well, breathing, here are a few tips to help you make it a part of your daily routine:

Take SPIRIVA at the same time every day. It will be easier to remember. And since SPIRIVA lasts 24 hours, your airways will be open all day.
Pair taking SPIRIVA with another activity you do every day, like doing your makeup or watching the news.
Set a daily reminder alarm on your computer, mobile phone, or watch.
Ask a reliable friend to email or text you a daily reminder.
Join the free Breathing Smarts program from SPIRIVA. It has tools and tips that can make it easier to manage your COPD every day. Learn more >

Need some motivation? Write down your goals

Making SPIRIVA a part of your daily routine may be easier if you think about your personal goals for breathing better — like strolling on a beautiful spring day.

Make a list of goals so you remember why it's important to keep your COPD symptoms under control. Tack them up on the refrigerator, or write them on a message board.
Who are the people you want to breathe better for? Your spouse? Children? Grandchildren? Yourself? Write out a promise to take your SPIRIVA every day and email (or snail mail) it to them. Then print out a copy and post it next to a picture of your inspiration.
Set a goal for yourself that will inspire you to take SPIRIVA every day. Choose something you haven't been able to do in the past few months, but may still be achievable — and if you achieve it, choose a new goal.

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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.

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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.