Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a serious lung disease that makes it harder and harder for you to breathe. COPD includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both. The leading cause is cigarette smoke.
It is estimated that 24 million people in the U.S. have evidence of impaired lung function, and nearly 13 million have been diagnosed with COPD. This makes COPD an under-diagnosed and under-treated disease. COPD is the 4th leading cause of death, and the 2nd leading cause of disability.
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COPD is a serious lung disease. If not managed, it slowly gets worse, until you are unable to do the things you enjoy.
In this section, you'll learn about:
- The signs and symptoms of COPD
- How COPD progresses
Get expert information about living with COPD. Click here.
Frequently asked questions about SPIRIVA & COPD.
If you or someone you know needs help paying for medicine, click here.
IMPORTANT PRODUCT INFORMATION
Talk to your doctor to see if Spiriva® HandiHaler® (tiotropium bromide inhalation powder) is right for you.
SPIRIVA HandiHaler is a once-daily inhaled maintenance prescription treatment for breathing problems (airway narrowing) associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD includes both chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
SPIRIVA does not replace fast-acting inhalers for sudden symptoms.
Do not swallow the SPIRIVA capsule. Only use the HandiHaler device to take the SPIRIVA capsule. Do not use the HandiHaler to take any other medications.
Do not get SPIRIVA powder in your eyes.
The most common side effect with SPIRIVA is dry mouth. Others include constipation and problems passing urine. For a complete list of reported side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Tell your doctor about your medicines, including eye drops, and illnesses like glaucoma and urinary or prostate problems. These may worsen with SPIRIVA.
If you have vision changes, eye pain, your breathing suddenly worsens, you get hives, or your throat or tongue swells, stop taking SPIRIVA and contact your doctor.
Do not use SPIRIVA if you are allergic to atropine, ipratropium, tiotropium bromide, or lactose. A lactose allergy is not the same as lactose intolerance.
Read the step-by-step Patient's Instructions for Use for SPIRIVA before you take your medicine.
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.
Click here for Full Prescribing Information and Patient's Instructions for Use.
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