Tiotropium

• The dose of Spiriva is different depending on which inhaler device you are using.
• Spiriva Respimat: 2 puffs inhaled once a day.
• Spiriva Handihaler: 1 Spiriva capsule inhaled once a day.
• 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.

Tips

• Keep using your inhaler every day. Do not stop using it, even if you feel better. Since COPD is a long-term condition, prevention with Spiriva is ongoing and it will need to be used every day.
• Try to use your inhaler at the same time each day, to help you to remember to use it regularly.
• If you miss a dose, you can take it as soon as you remember. But if it is nearly time for your next dose, just take your next dose at the right time.

To get the most benefit, it is important to use the correct technique. Ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse to show you how to use your Respimat device. Here is some guidance:

If using your 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 other hand. Insert the narrow end of the cartridge into the inhaler. Press down on a hard surface (such as 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 will 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 your 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. Do not 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 device: There is a counting device on the side of your inhaler that tells you how many doses are left. When it gets into the red section, it is time to get a new inhaler.

To get the most benefit, it is important to use the correct technique. Ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse to show you how to use your handihaler device. Here is some guidance:

 Source: Healthify & Auckland District Health Board, NZ, 2018

Using your HandiHaler

• Open: Press the green button on the side of the handihaler to open the lid. Lift the lid to see the mouthpiece. Pull on the mouthpiece to reveal the capsule chamber.
• Load the capsule: Spiriva capsules come packaged in blister strips. Peel back the foil from one blister strip to release one capsule. Place the capsule into the capsule chamber. Close the mouthpiece firmly until you hear a click.
• Pierce the capsule: Press the green button on the side to pierce the capsule.
• Breathe out: Sit upright, tilt head back (into 'sniff' position) and breathe out gently. Do not breathe into the device.
• Inhale your dose: Put the mouthpiece into your mouth and seal lips firmly around it. Breathe in rapidly and deeply through your mouth. You will hear the sound of the capsule vibrating in the chamber. Remove the Handihaler from your mouth and hold your breath for up to 10 seconds.
• Take two breaths from one capsule: To get your full daily dose, you must use your inhaler twice from the same Spiriva capsule. You will not need to pierce the capsule again.
• Discard the used capsule: After inhaling your dose, open the mouthpiece and discard the used capsule. Close the mouthpiece and the lid of the inhaler.

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