Inhaler .

[Darceydoo]

Does anyone use the Braltus Inhaled Powder inhaler? If so what reactions on first using it did you have?

[stone-UK]

Hi

Had no issues using Braltus, same dosage and active ingredient as Spiriva.

With one advantage being a clear capsul, you can see the medication and know it’s been taken.

[Darceydoo in reply to stone-UK]

Yes I can see they’re the same.

[SeasideSusie]

About 2 weeks after changing from Spiriva to Braltus, I had an episode of tachycardia, ended up in A&E after heart rate reached 179. After about 3 episodes over a couple of months, I spoke to the Advanced Nurse Practitioner at my surgery, saying it might be just be coincidence that it started after changing to Braltus but could I go back on Spiriva, which was agreed.

Altogether I had 8 episodes of tachycardia in 7 months, they settled down about 3-4 months after stopping the Braltus. I've been back on Spiriva about 12 months now and my last episode was 9 months ago.

My cousin was also changed from Spiriva to Braltus and reported that she never felt well on it, she has also been changed back.

[Darceydoo in reply to SeasideSusie]

If you look them up they’re both the same.

[SeasideSusie in reply to Darceydoo]

I have looked them up and I know the ingredients are listed as being the same. But I had a severe problem that coincided with starting Braltus, to which the doctor said it could be a coincidence and it could be a reaction. My cousin didn't feel as well after starting Braltus. 3 months after changing back to Spiriva I've had no further problem, and my cousin is back to how she was now she's back on Spiriva. I can't explain it, but you asked for people's reactions so I replied with mine.

[HungryHufflepuff in reply to SeasideSusie]

Sometimes it’s the other bits and pieces in a medication that are different. Not necessarily the active ingredients. Sorry I can’t seem to find any of the words I’m looking for! Like it might be the gas in an inhaler or whatever sticks a drug together that can cause the problematic side effects.

[SeasideSusie in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

I know what you mean, and I agree. There has to be something different. Both myself and my cousin had no problem being being changed back to Spiriva that it makes me think we weren't the only ones to have some kind of reaction to it.

[Darceydoo in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you that’s been very helpful.If you don’t mind me asking what was the problem you had?

[SeasideSusie in reply to Darceydoo]

It appears it might have triggered tachycardia. When you look at possible side effects of both Spiriva and Braltus, both mention in the patient information leaftlet, under Cardiac disorders, as uncommon or rare -

Atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, tachycardia, palpitations.

So as they're listed as uncommon or rare, it not surprising that most people get on fine with it and it's just the odd one that has a reaction.

Why I didn't get it with Spiriva and did after I changed to Braltus I don't know. It may be coincidence, it may be to do with other ingredients rather than the active ingredients, but my doctor said that it was a possibility the Braltus had triggered it so he changed it back to Spiriva. Eventually, after 8 episodes in 7 months, everything has settled down again so hopefully it was just a side effect.

I'm also one who has had a reaction to Ciprofloxacin (I have pseudomonas colonised) and the first two times I was prescribed it I was fine, I had one course of 250mg dose tablets each time. The third time I had the 500mg dose tablets and needed 2 courses and that's when I had the reaction, so now it's on my record not to prescribe it again.

[HungryHufflepuff in reply to SeasideSusie]

It was only fairly recently that I realized "uncommon" affects less than 1 in 100. To me, that's not all that uncommon. I didn't know Spiriva can cause tachycardia. Only this morning I learned it can cause reflux, something I've been suffering badly from in the past few months. But also I've been having palpitations and weird heart things going on. Now I can't help thinking Spiriva has caused or at least exacerbated these things 🤔

Sorry I've totally forgotten what the original question was.

[SeasideSusie in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

The possible side effects will be listed on the Patient Information Leaflet. I know the one that comes with Spiriva is more like a book than a leaflet!

[stamford1234]

I use it, it's fine to take. If I forget it for some reason I really miss it. Have to take it on waking. Dr. told me Tiotropium was the best thing for COPD. However, I didn't think it was lasting long enough and about 4 ish in afternoon I got very SOB. He added two puffs of Salmeterol morning and afternoon. I also have Ventolin for when I overdo it. Seems to have done the trick. Trouble is, we are all different and every day is different but I certainly couldn't do without it now FEV1 34

[oooodicky]

Hi I was on braltus and then changed to trimbow it’s got two parts to it, braltus and spiriva I find it good two puffs twice a day on spacer can’t fault it, might be worth a try if you’re not happy with the one your using good luck 😉.

[Darceydoo in reply to oooodicky]

Hi I’m on Relvar Elipta and Braltus at the moment.Waiting an Appointment to Respiratory. I’ll mention to GP next review about it, Thank you for your reply.