Managing COPD - Maintenance and Rescue Inhalers | SPIRIVA® HandiHaler® (Tiotropium Bromide Inhalation Powder)

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Managing Your COPD

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Maintenance and Rescue — You May Need Both

Rescue inhalers were made for those times when breathing symptoms suddenly get worse and you need help fast. They work quickly to relax the tiny muscles around the airways so you can breathe better.

But COPD is a chronic condition — which means it never goes away. That's why your doctor will likely prescribe a maintenance medicine, too. It's a medicine that you take every day to help keep your airways open continuously.

You may need both types of medicines to help you manage your COPD. This chart is an easy way to see how each one works.

- MAINTENANCE INHALERS
- RESCUE INHALERS

- These work over time to help you breathe better
- They're taken every day to help manage COPD symptoms
- Some reduce the likelihood of COPD flare-ups
- They work over a period of time, and can last up to 24 hours
- They are taken in times of emergency to help you quickly catch your breath when breathing symptoms suddenly get worse
- They help you breathe better quickly, but last only 4 to 6 hours

Fewer COPD flare-ups

The flare-ups we talked about earlier are more than scary — they may cause damage to your lungs. But there are some maintenance medicines you can take every day as prescribed by your doctor that can reduce the likelihood of flare-ups. If you need one reason to get and stay on one of these maintenance medicines, this is it.

A part of your daily routine

Brushing your teeth. Combing your hair. Making your morning coffee or tea. That's how you have to think about your maintenance medicine. As just another part of your daily routine. It may take some getting used to. All new habits do. But it's worth it. Because what you're fighting for is yourself and your ability to breathe better.

Now that you know why you need a maintenance medicine, take a look at the only once-daily inhaled maintenance prescription treatment for COPD that helps keep airways open for a full 24 hours and reduces the likelihood of COPD flare-ups >

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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.

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