Spiolto Respimat

What is Spiolto Respimat?

Spiolto Respimat is a bronchodilator inhaler that can provide relief from COPD symptoms throughout the day. It combines two medicines — olodaterol (an ultra-long acting beta2 agonist) and tiotropium (an anticholinergic). The two drugs work together by opening the airways in your lungs, and can treat COPD-related conditions such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. 

The most common symptoms of COPD include increased breathlessness (usually when you’re active), a cough that often produces phlegm, persistent wheezing and frequent chest infections.

Living with a respiratory condition can be a daily challenge. Spiolto Respimat helps to reverse the effects of having a limited airflow, and can improve your life by allowing you to breathe easier. 

How does Spiolto Respimat work?

Spiolto Respimat works by generating a mist that you inhale with each use. The inhaler is reusable, and can take up to 6 cartridges of medicine before you need to replace it.

The combined medicines relax the breathing tubes and passages that carry air to your lungs. Bronchodilators have been shown to improve both shortness of breath (medically known as dyspnea) and people’s ability to tolerate exercise, which can both improve your health by helping your body get more oxygen.

The first treatment offered for COPD patients is usually a short-acting bronchodilator, so if you’re prescribed Spiolto Respimat it could be that you find you’re breathless regularly and need medication that will work throughout the day rather than give you immediate relief. Long-acting bronchodilators take a little longer to have an effect than short-acting ones, but the effects last much longer, usually between 12-24 hours.  

What doses does Spiolto Respimat come in?

The Respimat inhaler contains 2.5 mcg of both tiotropium and olodaterol. The recommended dose is 5mcg of each medication, which two puffs of your inhaler each day will provide. 

You should never use your inhaler more often than prescribed. It also can’t be used as a reliever inhaler. 

How to use your Spiolto Respimat

To prepare your inhaler so it’s ready to use, read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medication and follow the step-by-step guide. To use the inhaler daily, you can remember the sequence as turn, open, press.

1. With the cap shut, turn the clear base half a turn until you hear a click (following the arrows)
2. Open the cap. It should snap when it’s fully open
3. Take a long, slow breath out
4. Close your lips around the mouthpiece
5. Take a deep breath and press the ‘dose-release’ while continuing to inhale
6. Hold your breath for 10 seconds

The turn, open, press sequence should be repeated the same way for your second puff. You shouldn’t need more than two puffs each day, as this is the maximum dose of Respimat. Speak to your clinician if you don’t feel like the maximum dosage is managing your condition. The dose indicator lets you know how many puffs are left in your Spiolto Respimat, so if we’ve not got your next cartridge covered you’ll know it’s time to order another.

What should I do if I make a mistake taking Spiolto Respimat?

If you forget to use your Respimat, there’s no need to double-up on the dose when you next use it. This might cause you to experience unwanted side effects. Instead, just carry on using it like you normally would.

If you think you’ve used your inhaler more than you should and start to experience severe symptoms such as muscle spasms or an irregular heartbeat, seek immediate medical attention to avoid any serious risks to your health.

You should talk to a clinician if you’re planning on stopping your Spiolto Respimat use, as doing so could worsen your COPD symptoms.