Consumer Spiriva
For Patients

Asthma is the term used for narrowing and swelling of the airways in the lungs that can produce extra mucus. Asthma can make breathing difficult and cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

Asthma can be a minor nuisance for some patients, but for others it can be a debilitating condition that interferes with daily life. In some cases asthma can lead to life-threatening asthma attacks. 

There is no cure for asthma, but symptoms can be controlled. Asthma severity can change over time, so it’s important that you work with your doctor to track your symptoms and adjust your care plan if necessary.

Understanding Asthma

Explore an interactive 3D journey inside the lungs to see how breathing works in real time.

Take a virtual tour to understand how Asthma impacts lung function and overall respiratory health.

What are the symptoms of Asthma?

Asthma symptoms can be different from person to person. Some patients may have occasional asthma attacks while others have symptoms and attacks more often. 

Signs and symptoms of asthma include:

  • Shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea

  • Tightness or pain in your chest

  • Wheezing, especially when exhaling. This is a sign of asthma in children.

  • Sleep disturbances due to shortness or breath, coughing, or wheezing

  • Coughing and wheezing that are made worse by illness such as the common cold, flu, or other respiratory illness

Some people with asthma experience more asthma symptoms during certain activities:

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While exercising.

Exercise-induced asthma can be worse in cold, dry weather

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At work.

Occupational asthma, or symptoms triggered at work where there may be exposure to chemicals, fumes, gases, or dust

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With allergies.

Allergy-induced asthma is triggered by substances in the air such as pollen, mold, insect waste, dust, or pet dander

How can I tell if my asthma is getting worse?

Some signs that your asthma may be getting worse include

  • More frequent symptoms

  • More difficulty breathing than usual, which can be measured by a peak flow meter which is a device that measures how well your lungs are working

  • More frequent use of a rescue inhaler

Talk to your care team to come up with a treatment plan that best meets your needs.

INDICATIONS

SPIRIVA RESPIMAT, 2.5 mcg, is a long-term, once-daily, prescription medicine used to control symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by relaxing your airways and keeping them open. COPD includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. SPIRIVA RESPIMAT also reduces the likelihood of COPD flare-ups (COPD exacerbations).

SPIRIVA RESPIMAT, 1.25 mcg, is a long-term, once-daily, prescription maintenance treatment of asthma for people 6 years and older.

SPIRIVA RESPIMAT is not a treatment for sudden symptoms of asthma or COPD.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Do not use SPIRIVA RESPIMAT if you are allergic to tiotropium, ipratropium, atropine or similar drugs, or any ingredient in these medicines.

SPIRIVA RESPIMAT is not a rescue medicine and should not be used for treating sudden breathing problems. Your doctor may give you other medicine to use for sudden breathing problems.

SPIRIVA RESPIMAT can cause allergic reactions. Symptoms can include raised red patches on your skin (hives), itching, rash and/or swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat that may cause difficulty in breathing or swallowing. If you have any of these symptoms, stop taking the medicine and get immediate medical care.

SPIRIVA RESPIMAT can cause your breathing to suddenly get worse (bronchospasm). If this happens, use your rescue inhaler, stop taking SPIRIVA RESPIMAT, and call your doctor right away or seek emergency medical care.

SPIRIVA RESPIMAT can increase the pressure in your eyes (acute narrow-angle glaucoma), which can cause the following symptoms: eye pain, blurred vision, seeing halos or colored images along with red eyes. If you have any of these symptoms, stop taking your medicine and call your doctor right away.

Dizziness and blurred vision may occur with SPIRIVA RESPIMAT. If you experience these symptoms, use caution when engaging in activities such as driving a car, or operating appliances or other machines.

SPIRIVA RESPIMAT can cause new or worsened urinary retention. Symptoms of blockage in your bladder and/or enlarged prostate may include difficulty passing urine and/or painful urination. If you have any of these symptoms, stop taking your medicine and call your doctor right away.

The most common side effects reported with SPIRIVA RESPIMAT in patients with COPD include sore throat, cough, dry mouth, and sinus infection.

The most common side effects with SPIRIVA RESPIMAT in adult patients with asthma were sore throat, headache, bronchitis, and sinus infection. The side effect profile for adolescent and pediatric patients was comparable to that observed in adult patients with asthma.

Do not spray SPIRIVA RESPIMAT into your eyes, as this may cause blurring of vision and pupil dilation.

Tell your doctor all the medicines you take, including eye drops. Ask your doctor if you are taking any anticholinergic medicines because taking them together with SPIRIVA RESPIMAT can increase side effects.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

CL-SVR-100067 2.15.2017

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Instructions for Use, for SPIRIVA RESPIMAT.