Plastic in Spiriva capsules

[Kiwiflyer8]

Hi

I’ve been on Spiriva 18 micro inhalation powder hard capsules for two and a half years now.

I can’t seem to get any answers to my question of where does the tiny bit of the capsule go after the capsule has been pierced.

It certainly isn’t in the ‘HandiHaler’ that the capsule is put in to use and it’s not inside the capsule itself, as I’ve taken it apart to check.

Are us users actually inhaling it in with the powder? I cannot see where else it can go and this really worries me.

I suffer from ‘dry ‘ Bronchiectasis where I find it difficult to cough anything up and I don’t like the thought of these tiny particles of plastic in my lungs.

Do hope that someone can advise.

Thank you.

[peege]

Good question Kiwiflyer8, I hope someone comes along with an answer. P

[Annscottie]

If you put a piece of white paper under the Handihaler then open it, remove capsule and turn Handihaler upside down a tiny dot of plastic should fall out and you'll be able to see it on the paper. I've been on Spiriva for 14 years and asked that question when I first started inhaling.

Good luck! You might need a magnifying glass! 😂

[Kiwiflyer8 in reply to Annscottie]

Thank you for your suggestion Annscottie.

Donald has solved mystery for me!😁

[Annscottie in reply to Kiwiflyer8]

I can see tiny ( and they are tiny) blue pieces when I do the above. Honestly!

[Kiwiflyer8 in reply to Annscottie]

Oh crikey, do you mean when you tip the powder out of one of them?

It’s strange because I did take a tiny blue piece out of my mouth once, that’s what made me wonder where they went …..

[Annscottie in reply to Kiwiflyer8]

It's after I've inhaled and thrown capsule. Tip Handihaler and tiny piece comes out. I did it again this morning. Maybe sometimes it stays attached and other times it doesn't.🤷 😊

[Kiwiflyer8 in reply to Annscottie]

That’s not so good…😟

[Annscottie in reply to Kiwiflyer8]

I wouldn't worry.....in the scheme of things.....🤔

[Kiwiflyer8 in reply to Annscottie]

This is true!!

Plenty of other things to worry about!!😆

[Donald_1931]

Since the hole is 'pierced' not punched and the capsule is plastic (ie pliable) I can't see that there will be any little bits to worry about. The hole is formed by pushing the plastic aside to form a hole.😉

[O2Trees in reply to Donald_1931]

100%

[Donald_1931 in reply to O2Trees]

Thank you. 👍😂

[Kiwiflyer8 in reply to O2Trees]

👍🏻

[Kiwiflyer8 in reply to Donald_1931]

Thanks for that Donald! Mystery solved. I have actually cut through one this morning and lo and behold, THERE was the little piece of plastic still attached! 👏

[Donald_1931 in reply to Kiwiflyer8]

Great! Now don’t go looking for something else to worry about. 😂x