How to Use a Spiriva Inhaler

Spiriva is a medication intended to help with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which can include either or both chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Taken daily, Spiriva has been shown to help COPD patients breathe more easily for up to 24 hours. Spiriva is not a steroid, but it will help to open narrowed airways in your lungs and improve their function.
Spiriva begins working after the first time you use it, although it may take your body a couple of weeks to get used to the medication and therefore its full benefits may not be realized immediately. For those with COPD, Spiriva is used as a maintenance medicine; it is still important to carry an emergency inhaler.

Instructions

• 1

  Open the Spiriva inhaler by pressing the green button on the side. This will open the dust cap. Pull the dust cap upwards to expose the mouthpiece.

• 2

  Take one Spiriva capsule out of the blister card that comes with the inhaler. Do not swallow this capsule, as it must be crushed by the inhaler and breathed in by you for it to be effective.

• 3

  Place the Spiriva capsule into the center chamber of your inhaler. Close the inhaler until you hear it click. Press the green piercing button once; this will put holes into the medicine capsule and allow you to inhale the medication.

• 4

  Hold the inhaler by the gray base and close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece. Breathe in slowly until your lungs are full; you should be able to feel or hear the inhaler vibrate.

• 5

  Hold your breath and remove the inhaler from your mouth. Only hold your breath for as long as is comfortable. Begin breathing normally after you have finished.