Comparing Spiriva Handihaler to Other COPD medications: What You Need to Know

09/11/2024

 

What is COPD?

COPD is the name for a group of lung conditions that is also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. As the name stands, it is a chronic disease of the lungs that damages both the airways and the lung tissues, making it hard to breathe. A person suffering from COPD may have chronic bronchitis (long-term swelling of the airways), emphysema (harm to the airways in the lung), or a combination of both disorders. COPD is indicated by a progressive deterioration in lung function that any treatment cannot reverse. It is a common condition mainly affecting middle-aged older adults who used to or still smoke. Many individuals do not even realize they have COPD until they start to have noticeable breathing problems. The breathing problems gradually worsen over time and can increase to the point where they can limit your everyday activities. Although having a treatment program and making COPD-friendly changes in a person's lifestyle can help keep the condition under control.

When to take medications

If your lifestyle changes and standard measures, such as quitting smoking, doing breathing and physical exercises, eating healthy, maintaining a healthy weight, etc., are not enough, you may need to start taking medications. Medications can offer significant relief, relieve the symptoms, and prevent acute breathing problems. The kind of medication used for treatment depends mainly on the severity of the disease. If the symptoms of COPD are mild or moderate, people do not usually have to take the medication daily, but only when they have acute breathing problems. We will talk about these medications in detail, but first, we will talk about one of the most popular medications for COPD, Spiriva Handihaler.

Spiriva Handihaler as a COPD treatment

Spiriva is a prescription medication that is prescribed to adults for the treatment of COPD. It comes as a powder-filled capsule that's taken using a handheld device. Spiriva contains the active ingredient tiotropium bromide, which belongs to the anticholinergic agents group of medications. Tiotropium Handihaler (Spiriva) is a potent, long-acting bronchodilator. Clinical benefits of Spiriva have been established in several studies. Spiriva is a one-time, daily, long-term use medication. Over time, it works to relax and open up airways, which improves lung function and makes it easier for you to breathe.

Side effects

Spiriva may cause side effects, and they can range from mild to severe. Below is a list of side effects caused by Spiriva. This is not a list of all possible side effects. For more information on the potential side effects of Spiriva on you, talk to your doctor.

Common side effects

The common side effects of Spiriva Handihaler:

• The common cold

• Dry mouth

• Sinus infection

• Sore throat

• Chest soreness

• Urinary tract infection

• Indigestion

• Runny nose

• Constipation

• Increased heart rate

Most side effects go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. Talk to your doctor if the side effects are more severe or persistent.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Spiriva are rare, but they can happen. Contact your healthcare provider instantly if you have severe side effects. Serious side effects and their symptoms include:

• A sudden tightening of the airways is unexpected because the medication is supposed to relax your airways. It can cause sudden breathing problems and wheezing.

• Increased pressure in your eyes causes sudden eye pain, redness in your eyes, blurry vision, or seeing halos or colored images.

• Painful urination and being unable to empty your bladder

• Severe allergic reaction.

Different medications available to treat COPD

Bronchodilators

Bronchodilators are medicines that relax the muscles that wrap around our breathing tubes (also known as airways), making them larger and easier to breathe through. Each bronchodilator is different based on its chemical makeup, how fast it works, and how long the effect lasts. Your doctor will decide with you which one of these or a combination of the two works best for you. 

Types of bronchodilators:

• Beta2-agonists

• Anticholinergics

• Theophyllines

Beta2-Agonists

Inhaled beta2-agonists can be fast-acting (begin to work in 3 to 5 minutes) or slow-acting (take 20 minutes to start working). Fast-acting beta2-agonists are known as rescue inhalers because they bring quick relief for the breathless but do not work long enough to provide 24-hour relief. Inhaled beta2-agonists can be short-lasting (lasting 4 to 6 hours) or long-lasting (lasting 24 to 44 hours). Common side effects of beta2-agonists:

• Fast heartbeat

• Tremors

• Rarely cramping of the hands, legs, and feet if used too often or too many puffs inhaled at once

• These medications may keep you awake at night.

The side effects often last for a few minutes after taking the medication. If you are facing difficulty sleeping after taking beta2-agonists, take it an hour or two before bedtime.

Steroids

Steroids, also known as corticosteroids, are medicines that reduce swelling in the breathing tissues. These medications are not the same as anabolic steroids, which are misused by athletes to build muscles. Typically, Steroids are taken by inhaler, frequently in combination with a bronchodilator. It may take a week or more to notice the benefits, as they do not work quickly. If you have a flair-up or worsening of your COPD symptoms, steroids may be given orally in pill form as pills can act faster (within 24 hours) than inhalers and provide a higher dose of steroids than inhaled forms. Using oral steroids for an extended period is discouraged due to the significant side effects. Common side effects of steroid medications

• Sore throat

• Hoarse voice

• Infection in mouth and throat

Taking steroids by pill for a prolonged period may cause problems, such as bruising of the skin, weakening of the skin and bones, weight gain, cataracts, high blood pressure, increased blood sugar, mood changes, etc.

Other medications

For people who have frequent COPD flair-ups despite being on bronchodilators and inhaled steroids, two medications are sometimes used: Rofumilast and long-term use of the antibiotic azithromycin. Both are taken by mouth as pills and have been shown to decrease the number of flair-ups you have. However, both can have side effects, so consulting your doctor about the risks and benefits is essential.

How and when should you buy a Spiriva Handihaler?

You should not buy or use Spiriva before consulting with a doctor. Once you understand your condition and are sure that Spiriva is the most optimum medication for you, you should buy Spiriva Handihaler 18 mcg. You will get it at a discounted price online.

Conclusion

COPD is the third leading cause of death, causing 3.23 million deaths worldwide in 2019. Unfortunately, there is no cure for COPD currently, but treatment can assist in slowing the progression of the condition and control symptoms. There are several treatment options and medications available. Long-acting medications are more effective and convenient in improving life overall than shot-acting medications. However, short-acting medications offer the most reliability during flair-ups. Spiriva Handihaler is a long-acting bronchodilator that has helped millions of people for years.