Spiriva

[beeperoni]

Is anyone else using Spiriva? My GP put me Breo Ellipta, but took me off cause it was trying my throat really bad. She then put me on Spiriva Handihaler. Anyone have side effects from this? I also us Ventolin (MDI) which I'm not liking cause I think it needs a spacer.

[Hidden]

Yes my husband uses Spiriva and not noticed any side effects. However ventolin causes him leg cramps and hand tremors. Xx

[beeperoni in reply to Hidden]

Ventolin gives me hot flushes and makes me quezy

[SeasideSusie]

I use Spiriva and it's the only one so far that doesn't give me side effects.

I can't use the metered dose inhalers as I seem to be sensitive to the propellant - it makes my throat and chest very raw and sore even when using a spacer so I have to have a dry powder inhaler.

Ventolin dry powder and Bricanyl dry powder both give me a sore throat and chest pains. I've just started trying Asmasal dry powder as a reliever and that seems to be the same. I recently needed the temporary addition of a steroid inhaler and was given Seretide dry powder and the side effects were horrible, sore throat and chest, chest pains plus constant aches in my lungs at the back - I asked to come off it.

[Tugun in reply to SeasideSusie]

Hi Seaside Susie,

How are things going. I have similar problems and would like to know if you have found anything that works well for you yet?

[SeasideSusie in reply to Tugun]

Hi Tugun

I am still on Spiriva.

Like most people who were prescribed Spiriva, it was changed to Braltus because that's cheaper. However, although having the same active ingredient within 2 weeks of the changeover I started having episodes of tachycardia - ended up in A&E the first time although they did nothing except leave me alone on a bed for 3 hours then send me home, second time the paramedics stayed with me for over an hour and when my HR came down to 120 they were happy with my decision not to go to A&E that time, further times I just didn't bother calling 999 and rode it out at home.

I had about 8 episodes over 6 months. During that time I discussed with the Advanced Nurse Practioner at my surgery how it seemed to have coincided with the changeover to Braltus and he agreed to put me back onto Spiriva to see if it settled down. It eventually did and I can now stay on Spiriva. When I discussed it with my lung consultant he said he'd never heard of this but was happy for me to stay on Spiriva.

Because I didn't have a rescue inhaler (due to not being able to tolerate the Ventolin) the lung consultant put me on Formoterol - 1 puff twice daily - and between the Spriva and Formoterol I am doing OK and have no side effects.

[Tugun in reply to SeasideSusie]

Many Thanks Seaside Susie.

[Jan_m]

I use Spiriva and have no side effects from it. Jan

[hufferpuffer]

I've been using Spiriva for about seven years with no side effects , at first I didn't believe it was 'doing anything' but I really notice it now if I don't take it. If you opened up a capsule you would be forgiven for thinking they'd forgotten to add the powder the amount is miniscule!

I rarely use my Ventolin as I don't feel it works for me, it just makes me shake. I use pursed lip breathing, find it very calming and then breathing is eased. huff x

[piggi]

I've been using Spiriva for about 6 weeks. At first I had really big difference in the peak flow meter - from round about 100 to 170 one day but gradually since then it has tailed off again and I can't get more than 130 now. Still 130's better than 100 - but I wonder why it shot up and then back down again. I notice I get thirsty but no other side effects yet.

Can't you use a spacer with your ventolin? I was told to use Salmetrol - 2 puffs x 2 a day also, and I use a spacer for that. piggi x

[1redkite]

I've been taking spiriva for about 8 years and no side effects except a slightly hoarse voice. Not a problem as my COPD nurse put me onto Nystan, which if you just let it run slowly down your throat stops the problem.

Good luck.

[whistler]

I take Spiriva too, get a dry mouth. If you are have trouble pressing top on ventolin, ask for an easi breathe version, where you don't press but just breathe in to release the med. Much nicer than carting a spacer around.

[beeperoni in reply to whistler]

It's not that I can't push on the top of the inhaler, but this version shoots out so fast and hard that it feels like it's slam basting the back of my throat and not misting enough to breath into my lungs. I liked the ProAir inhaler better, it's not metered but mists better.

[whistler in reply to beeperoni]

OK, I get it now. Maybe ask Dr to change it, if you ecplain the problem Im sure they wont object. Hope its worked out soon, x

[Christine18]

I use Spiriva & have never had any side effects.

[ralu79]

Hello

I have been on Spiriva for 9 years, 6 years on Symbicort ( very dangerous) and for 2 years Spiriva and Onbrez 150

I can tell you that after I stopped Symbicort, my face became normal, because itb was swollen.

Anyway, recently I have had some eyes problems, blurring, dizziness and light sensitivity.... I am afraid of not having a beginning of Glaucoma....

Has anyone who is using Spiriva and Onbrez any eyes problems or short term memory loss???