EKLIRA GENUAIR (ALACIDINIUM BROMIDE)?

[matlewel]

Hi, My COPD nurse has changed me from spiriva to Eklira Genuair. Just wondering if anyone is using this and if it is more effective than spiriva? The nurse told me that Eklira is a lot cheaper which is okay if it's just as good or better. Would appreciate your comments.

[mmzetor]

I was on it for 3 days but couldn't stick getting a mouthful of powder so got changed onto something else

[Toci]

My experience was similar to mmzetor's - lots of debris in my mouth that made me cough violently every morning.

[Snodgrass]

Same as mm and Toci but have tried it for longer, I don't notice any benefit except no longer get uti's I got when on Spiriva!

[Ohtwo in reply to Snodgrass]

Is spiriva associated with UTI's ? Any information would be welcome.

Thanks

Gwyneth

[Hidden in reply to Ohtwo]

It's listed as a rare side-effect. "Rare" in pharmaceutical terms means could affect UP TO 1 in 1,000 people.

[Ohtwo in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your reply. I have been on spiriva for years and never had a problem with it but over the last 3 months I have had 3 bladder infections.

[Snodgrass in reply to Ohtwo]

In the leaflet that comes with Spiriva in the list of Uncommon Side Effects it mentions Urinary retention and Painful Urination, in Rare Side Effects it included Infections of Urinary Tract. All I know is that since I changed from Spiriva the constant infections I had had since June have stopped without the daily antibiotic maintenance dose I had been on. Hope this is helpful.

[Ohtwo in reply to Snodgrass]

I don't tend to read leaflets, in the past they have put me off taking meds. Thanks for replying, I was curious because I have had 3 bladder infection in such a short time, no pain just a strange smell in the urine. Trying to find the cause.

[jimmyg23]

Yes I stopped spirva after five years nurse put on to new one called encruse ellitpa which was just out at end of year made by same company this is my first month on it did not like to start with but got used to it now like it better than spirva as they were to many empty caps this new one has got counter on side and can taste powder going into lungs alright up till now

[Hidden]

Spiriva Handihaler is a very fine powder & also comes as a spray (Spiriva Respimat). As you know, it's once-a-day, whereas I think Eklira is twice. If you're happy with Spiriva, why change? I don't think Eklira is much cheaper - about £6 a month I read.

[SecondLife]

I got changed on to this by my consultant and she explained that they now believe that Spiriva does not work fully for 24 hours so Eklira was developed and that it appears to be better. So long as your technique is good then it seems to be ok with no apparent problems apart from the usual one of remembering to rinse your mouth after use.

[undine]

I have been on the Eklira for over a year with no problems and much easier to take but always swill my mouth after - hope that helps xxx

[matlewel]

Thank you for all your comments folks. Starting Eklira next month so I will see how I get on. Seems to be some pros and cons but I guess thats usual for a lot of meds. Thank you xx

[onamission]

I was put on Spiriva but when I had a flair up or chest infection I couldn't get it in to my lungs I'm now on Spiriva mist it is much better

[Ladsnan]

I have been on Eklira for 18 months now and it's only recently that I find it not as effective as it should be my copd  nurse tried to get me on symbicort but after reading about it I decided to change back but I have a lung function test coming up so I guess I won't have a choice now but to change I have had no problems with the Eklira  no side effects and it works straight away or in my case it did till recently