Spiriva HandiHaler (Spiriva)

Spiriva HandiHaler is used for the long-term, once-a-day treatment of bronchial spasms (wheezing) associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It comes as a capsule containing dry powder, which is inhaled through the mouth using the HandiHaler device. When inhaled, Spiriva opens up narrow air passages, allowing more oxygen to reach the lungs.

Spiriva is an anticholinergic agent. It works by enlarging the airways to allow easier breathing. It comes as a capsule containing dry powder, which is inhaled through the mouth using the HandiHaler device.

Do not use Spiriva if you are allergic to tiotropium, ipratropium (Atrovent) or atropine (Atreza, Sal-Tropine). Spiriva is used to prevent bronchospasm attacks. Do not use Spiriva to treat a bronchospasm attack that has already begun. It will not work fast enough to reverse your symptoms. Use only a fast-acting inhalation medication to treat an attack. Talk with your doctor if any of your medications do not seem to work as well in treating or preventing bronchospasm attacks.

Before using Spiriva, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• narrow-angle glaucoma; or
• an enlarged prostate or a bladder obstruction.

Stop using Spiriva and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• tongue swelling or redness;
• sores or white patches of your mouth, lips, or tongue; or
• urinating less than usual or not at all.

• dry mouth, cough, hoarseness;
• blurred vision;
• trouble swallowing;
• nausea, constipation, upset stomach;
• stuffy nose, nosebleed;
• fast heart rate;
• drowsiness; or
• white patches in your mouth or throat.

Your pharmacist can provide more information about Spiriva.