Spiriva HandiHaler® (tiotropium) for COPD Maintenance – 18 mcg Capsules

What Spiriva® HandiHaler Is and How It Works

Spiriva® HandiHaler delivers tiotropium bromide powder for inhalation. It is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA). It helps manage airflow limitation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The usual dosing is once daily using the HandiHaler device and a single 18 mcg capsule.

You can order Spiriva HandiHaler from YouDrugstore, a licensed Canadian pharmacy based in Manitoba. We meet Canadian pharmacy standards, and our pharmacists review prescriptions before dispensing. We offer brand and many generics at Canadian prices and also carry OTC health products. Ordering is simple online, and our friendly customer-service chat is available during posted office hours.

We source through licensed and vetted partner pharmacies and suppliers, so you get authentic brand medications at fair prices and a wide selection. Spiriva HandiHaler is not a rescue inhaler and does not treat sudden symptoms. For quick relief, a short-acting bronchodilator is usually used.

Tiotropium blocks M3 receptors in airway smooth muscle. This reduces bronchoconstriction and helps keep airways open. One dose works for 24 hours, and benefits build with daily use. The HandiHaler device pierces the capsule and lets you inhale the dry powder from the blistered capsule.

Dosage and Usage

The usual dose is one Spiriva 18 mcg capsule inhaled once daily. Each capsule should be inhaled twice to take the full dose. Do not swallow the capsule. Do not use more than one capsule in 24 hours unless your prescriber tells you to.

• Wash and dry your hands.
• Open the HandiHaler mouthpiece and lift the dust cap.
• Remove one capsule from the blister immediately before use.
• Place the capsule in the center chamber. Close the mouthpiece until it clicks.
• Press the green piercing button once, then release.
• Breathe out fully, away from the device.
• Place the mouthpiece between your lips and keep a tight seal.
• Inhale deeply and slowly. You should hear the capsule rattle.
• Hold your breath for a few seconds, then exhale.
• Repeat one more inhalation from the same capsule.
• Open the mouthpiece and discard the capsule shell.
• Close the device and store it safely.

If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for the next dose. Do not take two capsules at once.

• Store your capsules in the original blisters until use.
• Keep at room temperature (15 to 30°C), dry, and away from heat.
• Do not refrigerate or freeze.
• Clean the HandiHaler weekly. Open and rinse the device with warm water. Shake off water and let it air-dry for 24 hours before the next dose.
• When traveling, carry your medication in your hand luggage. Keep blisters sealed and protected from moisture.

If the capsule looks like powder remains after two inhalations, that can be normal. Do not take a third inhalation unless your prescriber advises it. Discard the used capsule shell.

Benefits and Savings

Spiriva HandiHaler helps reduce breathlessness and improves lung function in COPD. It lowers the risk of exacerbations and improves exercise tolerance. Once-daily dosing supports steady control.

Ordering from YouDrugstore can lower your spiriva handihaler cost. Many customers save 60–80% compared with typical U.S. prices. We offer multi-month supplies when appropriate, which can reduce per-month costs. For convenient supply, you can reorder quickly online, and we can send gentle refill reminders.

Looking to keep supplies on hand? You can order Spiriva® Handihaler Refills when you need them. For promotions and bulk options, see our spiriva handihaler coupon page.

Side Effects and Safety

Common side effects are often mild and tend to improve with time. Serious effects are rare but need urgent care. This is not a full list.

• Common: dry mouth, cough, sore throat, sinusitis, hoarseness, headache, constipation, nausea.
• Less common: dizziness, palpitations, rash, itching.
• Serious: worsening breathing or paradoxical bronchospasm, severe allergic reaction (hives, swelling, trouble breathing), eye pain or blurred vision, urinary retention, rapid or irregular heartbeat.

Do not use Spiriva if you have a known allergy to tiotropium, ipratropium, atropine, or similar anticholinergics. The powder contains lactose, which may include trace milk proteins. Avoid if you have severe milk protein allergy. Use caution if you have narrow-angle glaucoma or urinary retention.

Spiriva HandiHaler is not for acute bronchospasm. Keep your rescue inhaler ready for sudden symptoms. Speak with your prescriber or pharmacist about drug interactions and proper use.

Onset Time

Many patients notice easier breathing within 30 minutes after a dose. Peak bronchodilation often occurs in one to three hours. Full benefits may develop over several days to weeks of daily use. Use Spiriva HandiHaler every day as prescribed, even when you feel well.

Compare With Alternatives

Spiriva HandiHaler is a LAMA used for maintenance therapy. Short-acting rescue inhalers work differently. Ventolin® (salbutamol) is a short-acting beta agonist used for quick relief of sudden symptoms. It does not replace a daily controller.

Some patients use a combination product for symptom control. Combivent® Respimat Inhaler combines ipratropium and salbutamol. It provides short-term bronchodilation from two mechanisms. Other LAMAs include umeclidinium and aclidinium. LAMA/LABA combinations such as umeclidinium/vilanterol may also be options. Your prescriber selects based on your history, symptoms, and goals.

Spiriva also comes as Respimat. Spiriva Respimat is indicated for COPD and some asthma maintenance programs. Spiriva HandiHaler is indicated for COPD maintenance and is not an asthma rescue therapy.

Combination Therapy

Many COPD treatment plans pair a LAMA with other therapies. Inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta agonists may be used in selected patients. Some patients use a rescue inhaler for breakthrough symptoms.

Your care team may adjust therapy after exacerbations or changes in spirometry. Do not change your inhalers without discussing the plan with your prescriber.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Spiriva HandiHaler is for adults with COPD who need maintenance bronchodilation. It is not for sudden breathing problems. It may help reduce exacerbations in patients with frequent flare-ups.

People with glaucoma, urinary retention, or prostate enlargement should use caution. Those with severe milk protein allergy should avoid this lactose-containing powder. If you have questions, our pharmacists can address medication questions during posted hours.

You can save by choosing larger pack sizes when appropriate. Multi-month supplies may lower the per-month spiriva handihaler price. We also send gentle reorder reminders to help you stay on track. For current promotions and bulk options, visit our spiriva handihaler coupon page.

Learn more about COPD and related conditions in our condition pages, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Bronchospasm. You can also read helpful guides such as Treatment And Medications For Acute And Chronic Bronchitis And Copd and Acute Bronchitis Types Causes Treatment.

Authoritative Sources

See the manufacturer’s page for device and capsule details: Boehringer Ingelheim Spiriva product information. Regulatory references include the Health Canada Drug Product Database and the FDA prescribing information for Spiriva HandiHaler.

YouDrugstore is ready to help with your COPD maintenance needs. You can order online at Canadian prices with support from licensed pharmacists. We offer prompt, express, cold-chain shipping to the US when needed.

This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always follow your prescriber’s directions and your product’s patient leaflet. Keep medicines out of reach of children.