There are two common types of medicines that work together to help control your COPD — maintenance and rescue. Your doctor will likely prescribe both. Know the differences. And how they work together:

 

Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. either owns or uses under license the SPIRIVA HandiHaler, ATROVENT, and COMBIVENT trademarks.

IMPORTANT PRODUCT INFORMATION for ATROVENT HFA Inhalation Aerosol

ATROVENT HFA Inhalation Aerosol is indicated as a bronchodilator for maintenance treatment of bronchospasm associated with COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, but is not indicated for initial treatment of acute episodes of bronchospasm where rescue therapy is required for rapid response.

The most common drug-related adverse events were dry mouth (1.6% of ATROVENT HFA Inhalation Aerosol patients and 0.9% of Atrovent® [ipratropium bromide] Inhalation Aerosol [CFC] patients), and taste perversion (bitter taste) (0.9% of ATROVENT HFA Inhalation Aerosol patients and 0.3% of ATROVENT Inhalation Aerosol [CFC] patients).

Please see full Prescribing Information for ATROVENT HFA Inhalation Aerosol.

IMPORTANT PRODUCT INFORMATION for COMBIVENT Inhalation Aerosol

COMBIVENT Inhalation Aerosol is indicated for use in patients with COPD on a regular aerosol bronchodilator who continue to have evidence of bronchospasm and who require a second bronchodilator.

COMBIVENT Inhalation Aerosol is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to soya lecithin or related food products such as soybeans and peanuts. COMBIVENT Inhalation Aerosol is also contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to any other components of the drug product or to atropine or its derivatives.

Please see full Prescribing Information for COMBIVENT Inhalation Aerosol.

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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This information is for U.S. residents only. Products discussed herein may have different labeling in different countries.