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 beta 2 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 exercising), a cough that produces phlegm, persistent wheezing and frequent chest infections.[1]

Living with a respiratory condition can be a daily challenge. Spiolto Respimat helps to open up your airways so you can breathe more easily, and can improve your quality of 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.

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

The combined active ingredients in Spiolto Respimat 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,^[2] which should improve your breathing, quality of life and overall health.

The first treatment offered for COPD patients is usually a short-acting bronchodilator.^[3] So if you’re prescribed Spiolto Respimat, it could be because you’re prone to becoming breathless regularly, and need medication that will work throughout the day (rather than providing 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.^[4]

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:

1. With the cap closed, press down the safety catch with one hand and pull off the clear base with the other.
2. Insert the cartridge into the inhaler, then push the inhaler down on a firm surface until the cartridge clicks into place.
3. Mark the check box on the back of the inhaler’s label to keep track of how many cartridges you’ve used with it, and then replace the clear base (you should hear it click into place).
4. With the cap closed, turn the clear base in the direction of the arrows until it clicks.
5. Open the cap until it snaps fully open.
6. Point the inhaler towards the ground, and press the dose-release button.
7. Repeat steps 4-6 until you see a visible cloud release from your inhaler. Then, repeat steps 4-6 three more times. Your inhaler is now ready to use.

To use your inhaler:

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

You can remember the sequence to use your inhaler as: turn, open, press. This 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.

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

If you forget to use your Respimat, don’t double-up on the dose when you next use it. This can increase the risk of getting 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 symptoms like muscle spasms or an irregular heartbeat, seek immediate medical attention..

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