Spiriva

[KJ48]

My asthma is almost under control with symbicort. The only issue I currently have is that the drugs seem to run out slightly early in the evening - not really a major problem and does not happen everyday. Do not need to use ventollin as it is only a mild occasional problem. My AN says she had been advised to keep trying things so that I am completely symptom free. Montelukast or higher steroid doses did not make any difference so she had said she wants to put me on spiriva (not sure about spelling!?). Since my asthma is so nearly under control I am reluctant to take another drug. Does anyone have any experience of taking this drug when asthma is not that bad. Am I worrying about nothing?

[hypercat54]

As far as I understand it Spiriva is a longer acting bronchilator which also helps build up your lungs with regular use. In that way it is different from Symbicort. You say your asthma is almost under control, then hopefully Spiriva will help to achieve100%. x

[HungryHufflepuff]

What a great doctor you have who wants you to be completely symptom free! I have Spiriva Respimat as well as Seretide and Ventolin. I think the Spiriva did help my breathing but I kept feeling horribly nauseous and stopped taking the Seretide inhaler because it’s a steroid so I assumed it must be to blame but things didn’t improve so I restarted the Seretide and stopped taking Spiriva and things have somewhat improved. But, we are all different and medications affect us differently so maybe try it and see if it works for you. If you have Spiriva Respimat rather than the handihaler you can use it with a spacer to reduce side effects, just don’t be block the air holes on the inhaler. Good luck! 👍

[Ground]

Had a bad reaction to Spiriva respirated after taking for six days last October and still not fully recovered, it caused me very puffy and itchy eyes and very dry and itchy skin on arms and legs with sores and blisters,

[Shellc]

I take spiriva and have it’s one of the best ones fir me

[Hamscoul]

Dear KJ48 I take respimat which is the same drug but as a mist. It was a revelation for me. I still use it to this day. No side effects for me. Only helped.

[Catbutler]

I have symbicort and was on spiriva as well with no problems apart from recurrent chest infections. New consultant sorted the chest infections so reduced symbicort and stopped spiriva. Mostly fine except in hayfever season but in the midst of a flare up, day 4 of pred and only just starting to improve. Going to ask about maybe having Spiriva to add on during hayfever season as a precaution.

So, cut long story short, I was fine with both inhalers so why not try it and see?