Questionable ingredients in spiriva respimat?

[Tuathana]

My doctor has let me try both the handihaler and the respimat for a month each and asked me to decide which works better for me. I feel like the respimat works better (maybe because its a soft mist?), but I am concerned about a couple of the non-medicinal ingredients.

Has anyone heard whether the benzalkonium chloride and disodium edetate in the respimat are safe long term? Ive read up on them and they seem like rather toxic additives for a lung inhaler. Ive seen some articles saying that the respimat isnt necessarily safe long term. I'm wondering if anyone has looked into this or knows.

Any input on this would be appreciated!

[Hidden]

The respimat works much better for me. I can’t use powder inhalers; they make me cough.

Tbh I don’t research all the ingredients in all my drugs. Life’s too short. If it’s been the subject of clinical trials, in use for a long time, and recommended by my consultant, that’s good enough for me.

[Tuathana in reply to Hidden]

It's good to hear that you've been using it and it helps! I am leaning towards the respimat, but just thought if I had a choice, I'd ask. Thanks for the help!

[Hidden in reply to Tuathana]

Just to say further: I use it for severe asthma, like madonbrew , and out of all my treatments, it’s the one that’s helped the most over the years.

[madonbrew]

I’ve been taking Spireva respimat for years and don’t have any problems with it. Neither have I read about the ingredients to be honest but my asthma is too severe so I need it anyway.

Hope it helps you.

[Tuathana in reply to madonbrew]

It is helpful! It helps to hear from people who have used it for sure! Thank you.

[TeachKat in reply to madonbrew]

Me too! And the mist is so much more comfortable Khan the dry powder (like Braltus)

[anng18]

Hi Tuathana,

I've been using Spiriva Respimat for about 3 years, as it has less side effects than some of the other medication I've tried. However, there have been a few articles on tiotropium and increased risk of cardiovascular problems, which concerned me.

I certainly suffer from sore eyes, which can be a side effect of benzalkonium chloride, but to be honest, my eyes were sore beforehand - possibly makes it a bit worse.

I think we have to weigh up our options. Mine are quite simple - take medication or be totally breathless - Hobson's Choice!

😀

[Tuathana in reply to anng18]

I read that about tiotropium and wondered as well. So far my heart seems to beat a bit faster with the respimat. There seem to be so many variables with copd, sometimes it's hard to tell. What you say makes a lot of sense though, about the good outweighing the bad. Thanks so much for responding!

[noaccent]

I was prescribed Spiriva Respimat. Used it for a month. Absoloutely not for me. Possibly even more breathless than before. Am now awaiting hospital appointment for breathlessness. We shall need to wait and see. Hope you are getting on OK ?

[Tuathana in reply to noaccent]

I am doing okay! Just trying to decide which inhaler works best for me. Thanks for your feedback!

[bobbyfloyd]

I have been on spiriva for many years and i feel they work well for myself, doctors have tried many times to get me to change but i refuse as i am happy with spiriva, i think they try to change people for cheaper medications which i will not, hope this is some help, keep safe

[Tuathana in reply to bobbyfloyd]

It's very helpful! To hear that someone has been on it for years and likes it so much makes me feel more confident about it! Are you using the handihaler or respimat?

[bobbyfloyd]

i use the one tablet inhaler, works well for me. hope this helps

[Tuathana in reply to bobbyfloyd]

Thanks Bobby!