Spiriva

[fredbear]

Hi All. As part of my COPD med's, I take Spiriva daily at lunch times. Generally, I feel more breathless after taking it than without it. I guess that in itself that doesn't mean it isn't helping in the long term but how can I tell? I'm all for stopping an ineffectual med so any advice on how to proceed? Should I try without it for a coupe of days?

[Swerv]

When i was taking spiriva in 2015 my pulmonologist told me to take it first thing in the morning as it can take a while to kick in.

Thankfully i don't have to take anything now.

[onamission]

I was put on this about 2 years ago after continually getting chest infections. Research had shown it helped prevent chest infections or so my GP told me. I have to say in the last 2 years I have not had as many chest infections but I would talk to your GP and good luck

[2greys in reply to onamission]

It can take a while to start to work effectively, in my case it took nearly 2 months before it was doing it's magic 100%. If your chest is getting tight or increased pain, then tel. your GP and let him/her know you have problems with it before you stop taking it.

[Nottobad]

Do you take your blue inhaler befor the speriva. I was told to take the blue inhaler 10 minutes befor my other inhalers. As it opens up your tubes. Also have you been shown how to take your inhalers.

[soulsaver]

Can you not feel the difference? If not and you wanted a cheap but scientific way to check the effectiveness on you, ask your GP for a prescription for a Peak Flow Meter.. or if you can afford it, buy it yourself. The mini Wright one (below) will work fine, but you can get electronic ones which measure more than the flow.

When you get it, just before your Spiriva is due, do your maximum blow 3 times and make a note of the best measure.

Then inhale your Spiriva and then give it half hour before repeating your best blow attempt. If there's no significant difference you're not getting any benefit. If you're worse you're having a mild adverse reaction to it.

I'd expect to see 50 lts pm minimum improvement in a man.

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[Masteryoda]

My wife used to have this,she now takes fostair instead & she says it is better for her,but we are all different.