Tiotropium Overview

(ty oh TRO pee um)

Spiriva® HandiHaler®

Spiriva®

Spiriva

Anticholinergic Agent

• If you have an allergy to tiotropium, atropine, ipratropium, or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you are allergic to milk, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you are having a breathing attack.

• Tiotropium relaxes lung muscles.

• To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.

• Use prescription as directed, even if feeling better.

• Do not swallow capsule. The contents of the capsule will be inhaled into the lungs. • Check inhaler use with healthcare provider at each visit. Read and follow all instructions provided with inhaler. Using the inhaler the right way is very important.

• Remove capsule from foil right before use.

• Open dust cap by pulling up.

• Open mouthpiece by pulling up.

• Place capsule in the chamber in the bottom of the inhaler.

• Close mouthpiece until click is heard.

• Leave dust cap open.

• Press green piercing button once and let go.

• Keep inhaler at a level, upright position.

• Exhale fully. Never exhale into the inhaler.

• Place mouthpiece in your mouth. Close your lips around the mouthpiece.

• Tilt head back and inhale.

• Hold your breath as long as comfortable.

• If any powder remains in the capsule, exhale fully and repeat. When capsule is empty, throw away.

• If you are using more than one type of inhaler, ask healthcare provider which inhaler to use first.

• Do not use a spacer with the inhaler.

• Use new inhaler with each refill.

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

• Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Dry mouth may cause an increase in cavities. Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

• Store at room temperature.

• Store capsules in original container. Use right after opening.

• Protect capsules from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Most medicines can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

• Read the package insert for more details.

Created: 2005-04-07 17:23:24.0

Modified: 2010-03-09 08:29:36.0

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