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Spiolto Respimat

Also called olodaterol + tiotropium

Key points about Spiolto Respimat

Spiolto Respimat® is used to treat COPD.
Spiolto Respimat is also called olodaterol and tiotropium.
Find out how to use Spiolto Respimat correctly and possible side effects.

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Spiolto Respimat® contains 2 medicines (olodaterol and tiotropium) mixed together in a single inhaler.

This combination is used to prevent symptoms of COPD, eg, wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. It reduces your symptoms over the long term.

Spiolto Respimat is long-acting, which means that it works throughout the day. It must be used every day.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, Spiolto Respimat is available as an inhaler. Using an inhaler device enables the medicine to go straight into your airways when you breathe in. This means that your airways and lungs are treated, but very little of the medicine gets into the rest of your body.

Spiolto Respimat doesn't give immediate relief from wheezing, tight chest and shortness of breath

If you need quick relief from these symptoms, use your ‘reliever’ medicine, eg, salbutamol or terbutaline.

The dose of Spiolto Respimat is 2 inhalations once daily.
Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much to use, how often to use it and any special instructions.
Missed dose: If you miss a dose, you can take it as soon as you remember. But if it's nearly time for your next dose, just take your next dose at the right time.

To get the most benefit, it's important to use the correct technique. Ask your healthcare provider to show you how to use a Respimat® device. Even if you have been shown before, ask them to explain how to use a Respimat if you still have any questions.

The video below provides some guidance on how to use a Respimat device. The Respimat is the name of the device used to deliver the medicine to your lungs and airways. There are different names for each Respimat depending on the medicines inside the device.

Your Respimat may be a different colour to the one in the video below. It's important to know the name and colour of your Respimat, eg, Spiolto® or Spiriva®. Read more about understanding your medicines.

Video: How to use a Respimat device

Healthify & Auckland District Health Board, NZ, 2020

If you're using a Respimat device for the first time:

Insert the cartridge: Keep the cap closed. Remove clear base – press the safety catch while firmly pulling the base with your other hand. Insert the narrow end of the cartridge into the inhaler. Press down on a hard surface (eg, a table) to secure the cartridge into the device and close the base.
Prime the inhaler: To ensure the device releases the medicine properly, you'll need to prime it. Do this by turning the clear base in the direction of the arrows on the label until it clicks (half a turn). Open the cap, push the release button on the front, until you see the mist come out of the mouth piece. You may need to do this a few times.

Inserting the cartridge and priming the Respimat device can be tricky. Ask your pharmacist to load the cartridge for you.

To use a Respimat device:

Load the dose: Hold the inhaler upright with the cap closed. Turn the base in the direction of arrows until until you hear a click.
Breathe out: Breathe out, away from the device. Don't blow directly into your device.
Inhale your dose: Open the cap and press your lips around the mouthpiece without covering the air vents on either side. Breathe in slowly and deeply through your mouth. Press the dose release button and continue to breathe in. Hold your breath for up to 10 seconds. Breathe out slowly.

When to start a new Respimat device:

There's a counting device on the side of your inhaler to tell you how many doses are left. When it gets into the red section, it's time to get a new inhaler.

Here are some things to know when you're using Spiolto Respimat. Other things may be important as well, so ask your healthcare provider what you should know about.

Keep using your inhaler every day: Don't stop using it, even if you feel better. Since COPD is a long-term condition, prevention with Spiolto Respimat is ongoing and it will need to be used every day.
Timing: Try to use your inhaler at the same time each day, to help you to remember to use it regularly.
Driving: The medicine can cause dizziness or blurred vision. Be careful when driving or using tools until you know how this medicine affects you.

Like all medicines Spiolto Respimat can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine.

Side effects	What should I do?
Dry mouth Sore throat	After using your inhaler device, rinse your mouth to prevent dry mouth and throat irritation. Tell your doctor if these bother you.
Headache Difficulty urinating (peeing) Constipation (difficulty passing poos) or diarrhoea (runny poos) Bleeding nose	Tell your doctor.
Dizziness or blurred vision	Tell your doctor. Don't drive or use machinery. Don't drink alcohol.
Feeling nervous, restless, agitated Trembling or shakiness Problems sleeping	Tell your doctor if these bother you.
Changes in your heartbeat (fast or irregular)	Tell your doctor immediately or ring Healthline on 0800 611 116.
Difficulty breathing or worsening of your breathing problem	Tell your doctor immediately or ring Healthline on 0800 611 116.