Spriva respimat

[Quinny11]

Just a question If anyone is on the spriva respimat

What were your start up side effects if any ?

How long were you taking it before you noticed a difference ?

I'm new to this and very confused

[Swerv]

Hi Quinny11, i have been on Spiriva for about 2 months now and have not suffered any side effects as it is non steroid. Previously i was on Seretide which is a steroid and had a number of side effects which is why i changed to spiriva.

Spiriva is a long acting drug so it can take a little while in the morning to kick in and does so very slowly. I find that if i do have any shortness of breath in the morning, as i did today, i take a valium. The problem with SOB is it makes you panic, valium calms you down and within an hour i find that my breathing has improved.

I do have a ventolin inhaler, one in the fridge and one i take with me when i go out, but i have only used it a couple of times...fortunately living in Thailand i can purchase my drugs over the counter.

If you have any specific questions ask away, there are a lot of very knowledgeable people on here who will help you.

Merv

[Quinny11 in reply to Swerv]

Thank you for replying

I am finding that I'm getting dizzy and tired after taking the spriva in the morning my dr is no worried though hopefully it will wear off as I continue to take it

[Swerv in reply to Quinny11]

Hi Quinny11,

I have not noticed anything when i take my dose in the morning. The tiredness could be fatigue caused by the copd, no idea what the dizzyness is though.

Do you eat or drink anything after taking the dosage?

I have a fruit/veg smoothie straight after my dosage followed by a cappuccino.

Merv

[Quinny11 in reply to Swerv]

I drink some water

I'll start having something to eat as well

Thankyou very much for your kind help

[Hidden in reply to Quinny11]

Hi there. I have been on it quite a while now. I don't remember any start up side effects in particular. I often feel tired anyway but I put that down to low oxygen levels. Hope they get you stabilised soon. Look after yourself .

[jackdup in reply to Swerv]

Is Ventolin supposed to be kept in the fridge as I never have and wasn't aware it should be?

[Swerv in reply to jackdup]

Hi jackdup

Ventolin has to be stored below 30c, as my average temp is 32c climbing to 39/40c in March/April i keep it in the fridge.

Merv

[jackdup in reply to Swerv]

Thanks

[Swerv in reply to jackdup]

Hi Jackdup

I also have to keep my Spiriva in the fridge otherwise the capsules go soft and won't pierce.

Gets damn hot here, but better than freezing.

Merv

[jackdup in reply to Swerv]

We were just talking about that earlier, is excessive heat or cold better and my son says the cold is better as you can always dress warmer but when it is hot you can only take off so much.

I'm kind of split as I don't like either extreme.

[Swerv in reply to jackdup]

Hi Jackdup

I prefer the heat, makes breathing easier. I was in the UK in August, not good weather. Was only there 12 days and suffered 3 attacks requiring ventolin. Ended up buying 2 x hand held battery fans, which i used a few times.

I was contacted by a member a while ago who moved from the UK to the gold coast in Australia and he remarked how much better his breathing was. Same with another member who moved to Pattaya.

I used to love the cold, but not anymore.

Merv

[gemlady12 in reply to Swerv]

How does elevation affect you? What is the elevation where you live now? I moved from sea level to an elevation between 2200-2500 ft. 13 yrs. ago. My COPD seemed to get worse. I feel better when I'm at the beach. What's your experience?

[Swerv in reply to gemlady12]

Hi Gemlady12

I live on a tropical island 10 minutes from the sea to the east, 15 minutes to the sea to the west so my air quality is quite good. I doubt if i am more than 60m above sea level, but would have to check google.

2,500ft above sea level i would think would affect anyone with breathing problems.

Not been anywhere with a high elevation since being diagnosed, so difficult for me to comment other than i noticed a difference when i was in the UK last August, it was 11-12c nearly every day and that is cold for me....had to wear a vest, long sleeve shirt and sweat shirt. But definitely noticed a difference in my breathing.

Merv

[gemlady12 in reply to Swerv]

My father, who was European, always said to live by the sea. I had hayfever and asthma as a child.

You would think I'd adjust to the altitude after living here over 13 yrs. Last summer I went home to visit my family and friends on Long Island and NYC. For some reason, I was having trouble breathing. Maybe pollution? i was by the sea most of the time too.

Irene

[Swerv in reply to gemlady12]

Hi Irene,

Many years ago i was in NYC, hated it. I doubt if it has got any better so i would think yes....pollution.

I am lucky i have lived on my island here for over 18 years, prior to coming here i managed holiday parks in the UK for 16 years, so i have been living and working near the sea for nearly 35 years.

I hate cities and dreading my next visit to the uk as i need to go to London for a day to renew my passport.

I will wear a face mask, which i do when flying too and in the airports.

Merv

Merv

[PompeyBob in reply to Swerv]

In that case you must be on Spiriva not Spiriva respimat as they are totally different in the way they deliver the drug.

[Nikilet in reply to Swerv]

Are you also on the Spiriva Respimat, and if so, were you on the Spiriva Handi-haler previously? I've been on Handi-haler for several years and I see they have come out with the Respimat now and wonder what is best.

[Swerv in reply to Nikilet]

Hi Nikilet,

I am using the Handi haler as that was the only one available in my pharmacy.

Merv

[Quinny11 in reply to Nikilet]

I tryed the powder inhalers but they made me wheeze more

I'm five days on the spriva respimat,I'm not wheezing but not feeling great as well I start to feel a bit dizzy tired and dopey about an hour after I take it

Hopefully it will settle soon

[Dumba in reply to Nikilet]

dI was given Respimat an it was making me feel sick so stopped and told the nurse it was terrible. My copd doctor also told me it is a cheaper drug, therefore the NHS are trying to push it. It certaninly looks and feels cheaper. Stick to the handi Spiriva if you wish !

[Quinny11 in reply to Dumba]

Hi I'm only taking the respimat as I seem to have a reaction to powder inhalers

I was taking atrovent but now need something a bit stronger

[Dumba in reply to Quinny11]

I found the powder was not inhaling very well, leaving the powder in my mouth which was sickly. I do not think it is too strong, could be wrong. Thanks for reply, everyone is different I guess !

[Will57 in reply to Swerv]

Hi Swerve, I have a house in Hua Hin and will be retiring end of Jan 2016 and would be most grateful if you could let me know the cost of Spiriva in Thailand and also (if you know) the cost of Symbicort 320/9

[Swerv in reply to Will57]

Hi Will57

Hua Hin is a nice place, been there many times.

I bought a refill pack of Spiriva capsules a couple of days ago which cost me 1,580thb. I think with the inhaler it cost me about 1,750thb, but i have a very cheap, huge pharmacy near me so expect to pay a little bit more at a normal pharmacy. No prescription needed. Don't use Boots, very expensive plus they want prescriptions for some drugs. I bought ventolin when i first bought my Spiriva and i think the cost was about 200thb so i bought 2.

Sorry, can't help with Symbicort.

I hope you enjoy your retirement here, cheap living plus you should see a difference in your breathing especially if you are coming from the UK. What is your stage, FEV%?

BTW been here over 18 years so don't hesitate to contact me if you need any info.

Merv

[Will57 in reply to Swerv]

Thanks for the reply. We (my wife &I) have had the house in Hua Hin for about 8 years now and we have lived in Abu Dhabi for the past 18 years and the UK is too cold for us now.Have been diagnosed with COPD for the past 7 years but still don’t really understand the FEV bit??? although have had blood tests every 6 months and regular check ups on the heart and so far all ok.

[Swerv in reply to Will57]

Hi Will57

The FEV is based on a lung function test Spirometry, you blow into a machine. This will tell you what stage you are. Have you done this? I assume you must have for your doctor to diagnose you with COPD.

Do you know what COPD you have?

If you are on Spiriva, same as me then you are probably mild to moderate. I have mild chronic bronchitis but moderate emphysema.

You should have a spirometry test/follow up every year. I had mine done in March, first diagnosis and having a follow up on xmas day. Had a CT scan late September, which showed the emphysema, will have another scan in March to check the progress.

Merv

[Will57 in reply to Swerv]

Yes I've had the spirometer test and will have it again before I leave Abu Dhabi. As to what stage I am at I don't know and its really my own fault as I just did not want to know but now I am to retire I will take a lot more notice. Like you I do know that I am with Chronic Bronchitis. Again thanks

[Swerv in reply to Will57]

When you have your test ask for a copy of the results and post on here. There are a couple of people who are very good at translating the results into plain English. My last test was an FEV of 69% which puts me into stage 1 mild, but moderate emphysema. I am hoping that my lung function will have improved on xmas day as i am doing more exercise and being very careful about my diet.

Merv

[warwickstag in reply to Swerv]

Swerv, I would not recommend taking valium as a cure for breathlessness. Valium is a highly addictive tranquiliser with known long term side effects, only recommended for a very short term fix.

[Swerv in reply to warwickstag]

Hi Warwick stag

I only take valium on rare occasions when i can't get my breathing under control. I probably take 5-10 pills a month, so not addicted.

But it really does work when you start to get a bit panicky as it calms you down, but i agree, not for long term usage.

I also use it when flying, as i now hate to fly.

Merv

[Swerv]

Hi Quinny11,

A fruit and veg smoothie first thing in the morning is a great way to start the day, it is filling and full of the extra vitamins and nutrients that we need.

Merv

[Happy26]

Hi Quinny,

I take Spiriva at 3.00pm every afternoon.

I like the fact that it covers me while I am sleeping.

At first it made me feel tired but after 3 months by body is used to it.

[Quinny11 in reply to Happy26]

Hi good idea how long was it before you noticed if it was helping you?

[lottylaine in reply to Happy26]

I take mine in the afternoon too suits me bsus i take serevent at 9am and 9pm

[Happy26]

Probably about a month.

I have changed a lot of things so it is hard to say.

I am eating Gluten Free.

I am exercising 30 to 60 minutes a day.

I am eating a lot of fruit and vegetables.

I have removed most sugars from my diet.

I am getting sunshine every day for Vitamin D.

I take my Ventolin puffer every 4 hours.

I do a lot of positive thinking !

[Happy26]

And rebounding has given me the best results for improving my health.

livestrong.com/article/2142...

[fredsell]

I used it for about 18 months, no side effects. I now take a new version called Striverdi Respimat. I would not worry your DR will give new meds as they come on market, I live in France and I know my Pulmo who is also my GP is very up to date.

[RichardFriedel]

See Drugs.com for a list of adverse effects of this item. I'm just an Internet busybody and folks should always be cautious about advice from it, but pressing on the upper or lower lip will ease off a shortage breath naturally. A stiff lips nose breathing habit helps me enormously. No trouble with cats now!

[inhaler1]

Hi. I take my spiriva about 7 pm or during the evening, this seems to cover me during the night and all next day without any side effects, but it's hard to tell how effective it is unless I stop.!!

[Hidden]

Hi I'm been taking spiriva for three months now the only side effect I have is an extremely dry mouthand the severe shakes and palpitations .I'm also on relvar steroid inhaler and oral steroids and permanent antibiotics which I take three days a week so I think the combination of all the cocktail of drugs I'm on don't help!

[Dumba]

No side effects, and normally it worksright away after the first few weeks. Very satisfactory

[CornishBrian]

I have been on Spiriva for over three years now and I didn't notice any side effects. However, during that time I developed a prostrate problem and seemed to move from chest infections to bladder infections. It now transpires, this was cause by the Spiriva....so any chaps out there, beware.

[jackdup in reply to CornishBrian]

Are you still taking the Spiriva or are you on something different now as a result of those problems, and if so what are you now on?

[CornishBrian in reply to jackdup]

Over the last four months, I have requested a replacement from my GP but they have been quite dismissive. However, last Monday I was at hospital for an appointment for my prostrate and then later with a respiratory consultant. Both raised their eye brows when I mentioned Spiriva and both said it needs to be history in my life. Friday, I am at my GP's again but this time I am armed with a printout from Spiriva as to prostrate problems and urine infections....Spiriva or my GP will be in the past tense.

[jackdup in reply to CornishBrian]

I would appreciate knowing what they put you on as a replacement and how you get along with a different inhaler.

[onamission]

I have been tacking this for 3 months before this I was using the powder form which I found I was unable to take when I had a chest infection. I have had no side effects on this new one and feel better on it

[Hidden]

Hi I am prescribed this but stopped taking it a while ago. I found it didn't help and made me more breathless. I take the capsule and found the machine made my teeth vibrate which is horrible. Also I never knew if there was any powder in the capsule and I think some of them were empty. I wouldn't advise anyone not to take it without seeing their doctor first though.

My doctor did say it was a longer term bronchilator and helps to strengthen the lungs. x

[fernway in reply to Hidden]

I was taking Spiriva Respimat for about 3 years, but suddenly developed a dry hacking cough, despite two trips to my GP who prescribed antibiotics and then a combination of antibiotics and steroids, the cough persisted.

I should also say that I have been taking medication for a Prostate problem for about 10 years.

Anyway as a last resort I stopped the Spiriva just after last Christmas and found a slight improvement in my cough, but no noticeable deterioration in my breathing.

Finally got rid of my cough by a few days of inhaling Friars Balsam in the evening, as my cough was prevalent when laying down. Subsequently, at my annual COPD checkup, my Spirometry numbers were very slightly down, but an occasional cough that I did have was as they say more productive.

The COPD nurse insisted that I should start using the Spiriva again, which I did and within 24 hours had developed the same dry cough, so stopped.

As regards panic attacks with shortness of breath I find that the simple act of a deep breath in through the nose and slowly out through pursed lips, as I was taught at the COPD Rehab is enough the dispel the panic.

But maybe that's just me.

[Cooperhart]

I got very dry mouth, it did help a little but am really bad at mo and not helping now x

[O2Trees]

Dry mouth was the side effect that got me too. It took about 2-3 weeks to start and before long my mouth was so dry that my lips would stick to my teeth and i could feel the top of my throat sticking to itself.

It got so bad I was unable to speak, so i stopped, and didn't feel any worse breathing-wise (I was already on Symbicort). Its happened twice, once a few years ago with Spiriva, and this year with Seebri, which is another drug in the same class as Spiriva. This is a common side effect but many don't experience it at all. I think it happens if you don't have much mucus, but its great for taking mucus down when you do have a lot.

Hope it words for you Quinney.

[59bjp29]

Hi I'm Brad, I'm on spriva and ventolin and must say that i'm lucky enough to not have noticed any side effects. These meds are really helping me, so i hope they will for you. My confusion comes when i have a bad bout of coughing and find it hard to draw a breath or exhale. This usually happens through the night, or if i overdo my limits.

[janesilver]

I recently started the Spiriva Handihaler to replace Advair, because of side effects from Advair. I also have an EXTREMELY dry mouth, especially at night. Oh, I should mention I am just about finished my first month with Spiriva. I keep water by the bed, and wake up at least once an hour for a swig, then fall right back to sleep. Not a perfect solution, but it works for now.

[barnowl1]

I have been taking Spiriva Respimat for over a year. The Cons. changed it as I said I could residue left on my tongue with the other. I have been fortunate never to have had any side effects. Wishing you food luck Wendy

[Raptorabz]

Hi Quinny11, I am new to this forum and I was on spiriva and seretide for over 3 weeks and it did not help me at all. About 6 days ago, my blood results were in and I had a low red blood cell count, anemic. I told doctor that spiriva and seretide are not helping me , she than prescribed Onbrez 150mgc, Tremendous difference, it made me feel good almost for about 14 hours. You are allowed it once a day, hence, I took Onbrez before breakfast and took spiriva an hour later, I feel a lot better. I am going back on 15th for another blood test and I am going to ask the doctor for Ultibro, which has a laba and lama, hope the doc gives it to me. I will keep updating as I go by with the medication. Wish you all the best.

Regards,

Raptorabz

[nordie]

I never noticed a difference. My doctor said some people do not . But your lungs do.

[lejaya]

Hi, I have been on spiriva since April and I have found it very very good and I haven't had any side effects, it took a few days for me to notice the effects

[piggi]

Hi I'm using Spiriva - I was only diagnosed 6 months ago and have not used anything else to compare it with. I have a handihaler. I do notice getting it 'wrong' sometimes and ending up with the powder in my mouth. Don't think I'm getting any adverse effects particularly. I have 2 puffs of Salmeterol as well, morning and night. The combination seems to work well enough for me. x piggi

[Batbara]

I see that there are quite a few people that feel spiriva really helps them. Just wondering if anyone with stage 4 finds that it gives them much relief and easier breathing.

[Dawn60]

Hi Quinny11 I was on spiriva a few years ago which gave me oral thrush & mouth ulcers, I did wash my mouth every time. My doctor has now asked me to try it again which I have & low & behold my mouth is so painful again with thrush & mouth ulcers. I wish I hadn't bothered. He was being quite sharp with me at the appointment so I guess I did it to please him. Never again. Take care I hope all goes well for you xx

[punkyb]

I took Spiriva and woke up at night with heart racing and catching my breath. The doctor discontinued my use of it.

[Snodgrass]

I have been on Spiriva since March and have suddenly realised that all my various health concerns match the uncommon side effects! Blurred vision, urinary tract problems, dizziness, constipation etc. discussed this morning at rehab and they suggested I get my GP to change me to Aclidirium Bromide or something like that (will have to check on Google as writing is atrocious).

[frose]

Have taken spiriva for years and years with no discernible side effects. I find it really helps my breathing.