Spiriva not working - broken?

[Ken6]

Good morning everyone.

I have been taking Spiriva and Fostair for three years. They are great. Last week whilst using Spiriva in my usual manner I saw white mist escaping from the sides of the mouthpiece. Now my asthma is well controlled 24/7. So the next day when I used Spiriva I took in a massive breath and this cured the problem except that the whole experience seemed somehow strange. Yesterday it felt wrong whilst taking my first puff. So despite the instructions telling people not to test the inhaler I fired off one puff into the room. Nothing. No white “smoke” just a puff of colourless gas. The counter reads 40 left.

Is it broken?

Thanking you in anticipation

Ken6

[Poobah]

I used to have Spiriva dry powder inhaler and found that sometimes a dose wouldn't deliver, it just wasn't there. Luckily the taste of the powder is distinctive so I would load it again and get my dose. On other occasions small plastic particles would fire through with the med and choke me.

If you're having difficulty getting a regular and full dose from a wet or dry inhaler then the pharmacy should replace it and the faulty inhaler returned to the manufacturers. I believe it's a yellow card system that highlights problems.

I'm now on Eklira Genuair and I've found it's a much better medication for me than Spiriva.

[Ken6 in reply to Poobah]

Thanks for your reply. I had considered dialling 111. But I am certain they would tell me to go to A&E. I feel fine so I will continue with Fostair today and go to the doctor (which is also my chemist) at 08:30 tomorrow.

Thanks again

Ken6

[Amy2091]

Who told you not to test it? Which form to do you take it? I have the spriva respimat and you must test it every time you insert a new canister (6 times ive always been told) - the taste of metal would be awful otherwise.

Maybe ring the pharmacy for advice, they might be able to replace it just in case or advise you ask the gp for a new one?

[Ken6 in reply to Amy2091]

Thanks for your reply.

I use Spiriva Respimat. I follow the instructions that come with it. First "Prepare for use". I turn and press four times to prepare it. This was normal. But for the next ten to twenty puffs it seemed to be delivering more powder than normal. This is my 37th Spiriva. Now at twenty puffs (plus the four for preparation) it is not delivering powder (see first post). Poobah (above) has had faulty inhalers I am now sure I have a dodgy one. I shall go to the doctor tomorrow.

My nurse told me not to test it because then I would not get sixty puffs. I have used Spiriva every day for three years without problem.

Thanks

[Amy2091 in reply to Ken6]

It defo sounds like it could be a fault then especially as you've had it long enough to know what to expect. It's an amazing drug for me personally so hopefully you can get it sorted without missing any. It's a very fiddly device I'm surprised we haven't had more issues with them. I've only been on it since last year and so far no faults but I almost expect one every time lol. Good luck!