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About SPIRIVA

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How to Use SPIRIVA HandiHaler

Use it once a day, every day, to help you breathe better

When used as directed, one daily dose of SPIRIVA can help keep your airways open for a full 24 hours as well as reduce the likelihood of COPD flare-ups.

SPIRIVA is a dry powder that comes in a capsule. You insert the capsule in the HandiHaler and inhale the powder through your mouth. Do not swallow the capsule.

Before you use SPIRIVA HandiHaler for the first time and each time you refill your prescription, carefully read the Instructions for Use.

There are just four main steps to using your HandiHaler correctly.

Download the Instructions for Use Don't have a PDF reader? Get Adobe Reader here >
Please see Important Safety Information below

When and how should I clean my HandiHaler device?

Clean your HandiHaler device as needed.

  • It takes 24 hours to air dry your HandiHaler device after you clean it.
  • Do not use cleaning agents or detergents.
  • Do not place your HandiHaler device in the dishwasher for cleaning.

Cleaning Steps:

  • Open the dust cap and mouthpiece
  • Open the base by lifting the green piercing button.
  • Rinse your HandiHaler device with warm water, pressing the green piercing button a few times so that the center chamber and the piercing needle is under the running water. Check that any powder buildup or SPIRIVA capsule pieces are removed.
  • Dry your HandiHaler device well by tipping the excess water out on a paper towel. Air-dry afterwards, leaving the dust cap, mouthpiece, and base open by fully spreading it out so that it dries completely.
  • Do not use a hair dryer to dry your HandiHaler device.
  • Do not use your HandiHaler device when it is wet. If needed, you may clean the outside of the mouthpiece with a clean damp cloth.
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How do I store SPIRIVA HandiHaler?

  • Do not store SPIRIVA capsules in the HandiHaler device.
  • Store SPIRIVA capsules in the sealed blister package at room temperature between 68ºF-77ºF (20º-25ºC).
  • Keep SPIRIVA capsules away from heat and cold (do not freeze).
  • Store SPIRIVA capsules in a dry place. Throw away any unused SPIRIVA capsules that have been open to air.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about storing your SPIRIVA capsules.

Keep SPIRIVA HandiHaler, SPIRIVA capsules, and all medicines out of the reach of children.

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.

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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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Read all about it

Whenever you get a new prescription or a refill for SPIRIVA, be sure to read the Instructions for Use in case something has changed.

Breathe in, breathe out

Get the most out of your lungs by adding breathing exercises. Learn more about breathing exercises >

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.

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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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