Spiriva Respimat

Spiriva Respimat is a popular treatment that alleviates certain breathing difficulties. It is commonly prescribed to those who suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and sometimes for asthma.

The active ingredient of Spiriva Respimat is tiotropium bromide - a bronchodilator. This is a class of medicines that expand passages within the lungs, allowing them to function more effectively.

If you already use a Spiriva or Braltus Handihaler, despite the difference in doses, Spiriva Respimat is clinically equivalent and releases the same amount of active ingredient in every puff. You can buy Spiriva Respimat from HealthExpress with no dose adjustment needed.

Please note - Spiriva Respimat is only available for the treatment of COPD if it has been initiated by your GP. Additionally, as this medicine is primarily prescribed for COPD, it is only available for asthma if it has been initiated by a specialist.

COPD is characterised by damage to the air sacs in the lungs and the airways that lead to them. Normally, but not always, COPD is a result of smoking. The condition causes airways to become inflamed, narrowing them so that breathing becomes harder.

Asthma is a condition where the sufferers airways are overly sensitive to irritants. Genetics and pollution are the most commonly cited causes.

Spiriva Respimat treats both of these conditions. As previously mentioned, it contains tiotropium, which dilates bronchi and bronchioles - these are branches in your lungs that oxygenate your blood. By keeping these branches open, the treatment reduces the likelihood of flare-ups.

Please note - this is a preventative treatment. It is intended to be used once-daily on a long-term basis. It improves overall lung function and will reduce the chance of COPD worsening or asthma attacks occurring. However, it will not have any effect on an ongoing ‘attack’ of symptoms.

To treat current attacks, you should consider reliever inhalers, such as Ventolin or Salamol. You should always consult with a doctor first before starting any medication. To order online, you must also have previously been prescribed this medication by your regular doctor.

Remember - always follow the advice of your prescribing doctor.

Please consult the patient information leaflet for complete instructions on how to use this treatment. The Respimat device can be confusing to use at first. If you are unsure about anything, please contact your doctor.

The Respimat inhalation device releases 2.5mcg of the active ingredient for every puff. Two puffs is equivalent to 5 micrograms tiotropium. You should inhale 2 puffs once a day.

You should first prepare the inhaler for use. Again, instructions will be detailed in the PIL (along with images).

1. remove the clear base from the device
2. label your discard date (3 months from first day of use)
3. insert a cartridge into the device
4. place bottom of inhaler on a flat surface and press until it clicks
5. replace the clear base

Once prepared, the inhaler is ready to be used:

1. turn the base in the direction of the arrows
2. push up on the opening tab
3. breathe out completely
4. close your lips around the mouthpiece (without covering the air vents)
5. point the inhaler to the back of your throat
6. whilst inhaling deeply, press the dose-release button and continue to inhale
7. hold your breath for 10 seconds or for as long as comfortable

You should inhale 2 puffs, once per day. If you find this treatment does not improve your breathing, please contact your doctor.

Like all medications, Spiriva Respimat can cause side effects. If you are concerned about these, you should consult with your doctor. However, the chance of any serious or unpleasant reactions occuring is unlikely.

The most commonly reported side effects include:

• arrhythmias
• constipation
• cough
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• headache
• nausea

If you experience arrhythmias, suffer any unlisted reactions, or find any of the above distressing, please stop treatment and inform your doctor.

You should also stop treatment if you suspect you are suffering an allergic reaction. Symptoms include swelling of the face, throat and lips, skin rashes and (unusual) difficulty breathing. In this situation, seek immediate medical attention.

Please note, if this treatment causes tightness of the chest immediately after using, seek medical attention.

Please note, to buy this medication online, you should have first been prescribed it by your doctor to treat COPD or asthma.

You should avoid this medication if:

• you have a sensitivity or allergy to any of its ingredients
• you have a hypersensitivity to lactose monohydrate (which may contain small amounts of milk proteins) or to atropine or its derivatives, e.g. ipratropium or oxitropium

If you choose to buy Spiriva Respimat online from HealthExpress, you will first be asked to complete a medical consultation. At this stage, you should detail any and all health conditions you suffer from as well as any medications you are taking. Our doctors will use this to determine if the treatment is safe for you to use.

If any of the following conditions apply to you, you should inform our doctors during the consultation:

• narrow-angle glaucoma
• prostate problems or difficulty passing urine
• kidney issues
• heart conditions of any kind

These conditions may not preclude you from using Spiriva Respimat, however, you may need closer monitoring by a doctor.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult your doctor before starting this treatment.

A full list of side effects, and the likelihood of them occurring, will be listed in the patient information leaflet.

What precautions should I take?

Please note, this medication has been known to cause dizziness. Due to this, you should be cautious when driving or operating machinery.

You should not use this medication for quick relief of attacks - it is for long-term preventative use only.

Avoid getting this treatment in your eyes. If this does occur, wash immediately. Seek medical attention if it causes uncomfortable eye symptoms.

Yes, you can buy Spiriva Respimat online from HealthExpress. As mentioned above, we ask that you complete a medical consultation. Our doctors will review this - your information will never be shared with any third parties.

All orders include the price of consultation, a prescription and next-day delivery. The entire process takes approximately 24 hours. If there are any issues, you will be contacted via email or telephone. If, for whatever reason, the doctor does not approve your order, you will be informed, and payment will be refunded.