Tips & Techniques for Living with COPD | SPIRIVA® HandiHaler® (Tiotropium Bromide Inhalation Powder)

Living with COPD

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Living with COPD

If you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), you may need to make some changes to stay as healthy as you can, for as long as you can. And while COPD is no small thing, that doesn't mean it's time to just watch life pass you by.

In fact, if you've already stopped doing things because of your difficulty in breathing, your doctor may suggest you start being more active to help you better manage your COPD.

There are other things you can do — in addition to taking SPIRIVA daily and quitting smoking — to improve your breathing and overall health. Whether your COPD is mild, moderate, or very severe, read on for tips and techniques for helping you manage your COPD.

COPD Day-to-Day

Tips for living with COPD.

Learn more >
Avoiding Triggers

What you can do to create a COPD-friendly home.

Learn about COPD triggers >
Breathing Exercises

A better way to breathe, for people with COPD.

Learn about breathing exercises to improve your lung capacity >
Physical Activity

Feeling tired? You may need more exercise.

Learn more >
Nutrition & Eating

Underweight can be as bad as overweight. So when it comes to managing COPD, it's important to maintain a healthy weight.

Learn more >
Oxygen Therapy

Some people may need supplemental oxygen to help them manage their COPD.

Learn more >
Family, Friends & Community

Adjusting to life with COPD can be overwhelming at first. But you don't have to do it alone.

Learn more >
Managing Stress

Living with COPD can be stressful. But there are ways to help keep the stress under control.

Learn more >

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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.