how to use spiriva respimat

[Pinkyboo28]

I have watched videos but I feel like it’s just spraying onto my tongue and also coming out of the inhaler as I can see it. If anyone uses this inhaler please share any tips. Thanks

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador]

I find you do need a tight seal round the bottom of the mouthpiece next to the ridge to stop it coming out of the side.

It might be worth taking it to your pharmacy and asking them to show you how, with some practice.

[ALUK_Nurses Partner Administrator ALUK Asthma Nurse]

Hi hope this helps - asthmaandlung.org.uk/living...

[Bigoil]

Try a spacer

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador in reply to Bigoil]

Only replying to avoid any confusion - the Respimat soft mist inhalers like Spiriva can't be used with a spacer as far as I know. They're not designed for it unlike the aerosol ones eg Ventolin.

[Bigoil in reply to Lysistrata]

Whilst on my last descent into a full attack which required hospitalisation due to a 40% PEF. It was recommended by the severe asthma clinic nurses to boost the impact of the tiotropium through a spacer for the duration until I returned to 75%.(ended up being a 3 week spell)I know that it is not the best fit but when you are struggling to get the drug in, it's an improvement. Especially when you can't hold your breath for 10 seconds!

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador in reply to Bigoil]

Ah interesting - thanks for sharing as I didn't know it was actually possible to do that!

Less about fit, more I wasn't sure if it would get through the spacer in the right way, if that makes sense.

[Sansovino1926 in reply to Lysistrata]

My GP surgery asthma team prescribed me an EasyChamber spacer device at the time they started me on Spiriva Respimat and they told me to first make the Respimat ready to dispense a puff, breathe out fully, put the mouthpiece of the spacer in my mouth, fire the button of the Respimat, watch the spacer fill up with mist, and at that point, inhale all the mist, and hold it in as long as I could. Then repeat for the second puff. I think it must be OK because my peak flow has gone up from 300 to 500 in the 6 months since I started on Spiriva. 500 is the expected value for my age, sex, and height.

Spiriva Respimat and EasyChamber spacer device

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador in reply to Sansovino1926]

Thanks for sharing the details - I didn't know this was possible with Respimat! I think I do ok without it but seems like it would be worth a try for anyone struggling like Pinkyboo (or me if I do start to find it hard).

[Lynneypin]

you really have to make sure it’s pushed down hard to get the canister in place initially. It takes a fair bit of force. I do this against a hard surface. If it doesn’t go all the way in there will be a gap. Good idea to ask at a pharmacy.

[flowerjunky]

I find the best way is to firstly prime the inhaler (twist the lower section and then flip open the lid), make sure I’ve really fully exhaled before making a tight seal with my lips around the mouthpiece and then start to inhale as I press the button.

If you are feeling it on your tongue perhaps try to tilt the inhaler slightly to adjust the angle whilst inhaling to see if that helps.

If you still have problems it might be worth trying to see your asthma nurse to ask them to check your technique..