Spiriva Handihaler tip.: Now that the... - Lung Conditions C...

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Spiriva Handihaler tip.

2greys profile image
9 Replies

Now that the colder weather is approaching a little tip for those using Spiriva with the Handihaler capsules, especially when taken first thing in the morning as I do.

How to prevent the hard capsule shell shattering when it is pierced.

Place the capsule on the inside crook of your index finger and ball up your hand into a loose fist for a few minutes. Before placing it into the Handihaler and then pierce the capsule.

This works because the shell of the capsule gets slightly softened by the warmth of your hand. When it is cold the shell is very brittle and shatters easily which will then refuse to "rattle/spin" properly and prevent the correct delivery of the med as you suck.

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2greys profile image
2greys
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9 Replies

Thanks, that’s very useful.

soul-123 profile image
soul-123

Good tip I have had that problem with Spiriva capsules a few times and end up wasting it thanks x

Buzzman profile image
Buzzman

Hi I use to have the capsules but I now have incruse Ellipta 55 mg no capsule needed ask your doctor

Nottobad profile image
Nottobad

I never had any problem with spiriva capsuals. But was changed to Incruse Ellipta when I moved to Edinburgh as my community respiratory nurse said they don’t use spiriva anymore. But for got to ask why.

Kittykat2 profile image
Kittykat2

Thats good advise wasted quite a few piercing them even very gently..

I hardly press it now to get the hole.

Will try what you say thanks for that .

Dianemc01234 profile image
Dianemc01234 in reply toKittykat2

Me too.

I now have Braltas, but this tip would work with that too. Many thanks 2greys.

Dedicated profile image
Dedicated

Ive been moved onto something called Seebri. same thing with capsule. My mistake was piercing the capsule again when it didn't rattle with a sharp inhalation, and again, and again.

Apparently this is really wrong as you then could be inhaling bits of plastic. Thanks for the advice to warm the capsule slightly

chillymaid profile image
chillymaid

What a good idea, thanx.

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