If you have COPD, you have a chronic disease. That means it doesn't go away. And it may need to be managed with daily treatment.

This is where maintenance therapy comes in. When taken as directed, maintenance therapy helps control COPD. So you can breathe better, longer. Unlike rescue medicines that you take just when you need them, maintenance medicines have to be taken every day to work properly.

With COPD your airways are damaged. They become tight and filled with mucus. This blocks the flow of air into and out of your lungs.

Maintenance medicines help keep your airways open, so you can breathe better all day. They are taken on a regular schedule to help you manage your COPD. This is why these medicines must be taken every day as directed to feel the full effects. You will lose these medicines’ benefits if you do not take them as directed.

Maintenance medicines work over time and their effects are long-lasting. This is why you may not "feel" them working right away. When it is time for you to take your dose the medicine from your last dose is still working. So the effects of maintenance medicines are not always so easy to notice.

Some people think that once they feel better, they can stop taking their daily medicines. The fact is, if you are breathing better, it means your maintenance medicine is working. Remember: to keep breathing better you must keep taking this medicine every day as directed by your doctor.

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.