Spiriva Handihaler

Information on Spiriva Handihaler

Box
Chemical Name: TIOTROPIUM BROMIDE (tee-oh-TROE-pee-um BROE-mide)

Common uses
This medicine is an anticholinergic agent used to treat the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, in adults. This medicine is inhaled into the lungs where it enlarges your airways to allow you to breathe easier. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using
INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking other anticholinergic medicines including antihistamines, antispasmodics, or medicines for Parkinson's disease. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including narrow-angle glaucoma, kidney problems, prostate problems, difficulty urinating, history of stroke, allergies (especially to lactose or atropine derivatives like ipratropium), pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. An additional patient information leaflet is available with this medicine. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have before using this medicine. DO NOT SWALLOW THE CAPSULES. THE CAPSULES ARE USED WITH A SPECIAL INHALER. DO NOT remove a capsule from the packaging until you are ready to use it. To remove a capsule from the packaging, carefully peel the foil back to expose the capsule, then tip the capsule out of the blister. Do NOT cut the foil or use sharp objects to remove the capsule from the blister. If a second capsule is exposed to the air when you are removing a capsule for use, it must be discarded. Do not save the capsule for later. Place the capsule in the special inhaler device immediately. Close the mouthpiece firmly until you hear a click. Hold the inhaler with the mouthpiece up and press the piercing button. Do NOT press the piercing button more than once. Exhale slowly and deeply. DO NOT breathe into the mouthpiece of the inhaler. Position the inhaler mouthpiece between your lips and try to rest your tongue flat. Keep your head upright. Do not block the air vents on the inhaler. TAKE A SLOW, DEEP BREATH. You should hear or feel the capsule vibrate inside the inhaler. Hold your breath as long as it feels comfortable, then exhale slowly through pursed lips. Breathe out completely. To be sure all of the medicine has been inhaled from the capsule, inhale from the mouthpiece a second time following the same process. IF YOU DO NOT HEAR OR FEEL the capsule vibrate, do NOT press the piercing button again. Hold the inhaler in an upright position and tap it gently on the table. Check to make sure the mouthpiece is closed then take another slow deep breath from the inhaler. If you still do not hear or feel the capsule vibrate, contact your doctor. ASK YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST if you are unclear on how to use this device or inhale the medicine. CLEAN THE INHALER DEVICE only if needed. If you are using the same inhaler device for longer than one month at a time before getting a new one, clean it once a month. To clean the inhaler device, follow the instructions in the patient information leaflet. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C), away from heat, moisture, and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Do NOT freeze. Do NOT store this medicine in the inhaler device. This medicine will work best if used regularly. Taking your dose at the same time each day will help you to remember. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT use 2 doses at once.

Cautions
DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or if you are allergic to any ingredient in this product. THIS MEDICINE WILL NOT STOP AN ASTHMA ATTACK once one has started. IF YOU ARE ALSO USING A BRONCHODILATOR INHALER, be sure to always carry the bronchodilator inhaler with you to use during asthma attacks. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE without checking with your doctor. DO NOT STOP USING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. This medicine may cause dizziness. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. AVOID GETTING THIS MEDICINE IN YOUR EYES. If you get the medicine in your eyes and eye pain, blurred vision, or other vision changes occur, contact your doctor immediately. THIS MEDICINE MAY SOMETIMES CAUSE SEVERE BREATHING PROBLEMS right after you use a dose. If this happens, use your short-acting bronchodilator inhaler. Contact your doctor or seek other medical care at once. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include dry mouth, constipation, sinus inflammation, throat irritation, stomach pain, vomiting, blurred vision, or mild nosebleed. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience pain or white patches in your mouth or on your tongue, persistent nosebleeds, severe or persistent constipation, or difficulty urinating. Rarely, immediately after using a dose of this medicine your breathing may become more difficult and wheezing may worsen. If this occurs, CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience blurred vision or other vision changes; confusion; one-sided weakness; slurred speech; chest pain; fast or irregular heartbeat; swelling of your hands, legs, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; or unusual hoarseness. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or severe trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions

If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Additional information
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Selected data included with permission and copyrighted by Medi-Span, 2009. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a Licensed data provider and is not for distribution in professional healthcare settings.