Spiriva is an inhaled prescription medication used to prevent the airways in the lungs from narrowing, a condition known as bronchospasm and can affect people with OPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), emphysema or bronchitis. This is a maintenance drug taken once daily so the lungs’ airway remains open for 24 hours. This is a maintenance medicine and not meant as a replacement for any medication that your physician may have prescribed.
The relief that the drug brings about varies from individual to individual. While some experience relief immediately, for others it will take some time to take effect. Clinical tests show that regular usage of the medication reduces patients’ need to use their rescue inhaler, but again it must be emphasized that this is not meant to be a replacement for a rescue inhaler. The studies also indicate that elderly folk are more susceptible to the side effects, in particular constipation and dry mouth. In addition, older adults are more vulnerable to experience difficulty in urinating.
Spiriva Cost Information
Prices will depend on where you buy and the dosage and if you have insurance. A single inhaler (30 capsules) costs $301.74 at Walmart and Sam’s Club while at Safeway it is $305, but in other retailers the price will vary.
Dosage | Quantity | Price Without Insurance |
CVS Pharmacy |
| 5 capsules of 18mcg | 1 inhaler | $83.74 |
| 30 capsules of 18mcg | 1 inhaler | $282.65 |
| 90 capsules of 18mcg | 1 inhaler | $835.45 |
Kmart |
| 5 capsules of 18mcg | 1 inhaler | $84.24 |
| 30 capsules of 18mcg | 1 inhaler | $283.15 |
| 90 capsules of 18mcg | 1 inhaler | $835.95 |
Kroger |
| 5 capsules of 18mcg | 1 inhaler | $82.72 |
| 30 capsules of 18mcg | 1 inhaler | $283.90 |
| 90 capsules of 18mcg | 1 inhaler | $836.70 |
Publix |
| 5 capsules of 18mcg | 1 inhaler | $84.29 |
| 30 capsules of 18mcg | 1 inhaler | $283.20 |
| 90 capsules of 18mcg | 1 inhaler | $836.00 |
Rite Aid |
| 5 capsules of 18mcg | 1 inhaler | $85.31 |
| 30 capsules of 18mcg | 1 inhaler | $288.90 |
| 90 capsules of 18mcg | 1 inhaler | $852.59 |
Target |
| 5 capsules of 18mcg | 1 inhaler | $82.72 |
| 30 capsules of 18mcg | 1 inhaler | $284.95 |
| 90 capsules of 18mcg | 1 inhaler | $840.35 |
Walgreens |
| 5 capsules of 18mcg | 1 inhaler | $85.31 |
| 30 capsules of 18mcg | 1 inhaler | $288.90 |
| 90 capsules of 18mcg | 1 inhaler | $852.37 |
Walmart |
| 5 capsules of 18mcg | 1 inhaler | $82.03 |
| 30 capsules of 18mcg | 1 inhaler | $279.76 |
| 90 capsules of 18mcg | 1 inhaler | $829.28 |
Short-Term Side Effects
Short term side effects will vary per individual and depend on the dosage being taken. However, among the most commonly reported are sore throat, dry mouth, constipation and in a few instances, seeing halos and red eyes. Prior to taking the drug you need to inform your doctor if you have problems with urination, have an enlarged prostate or glaucoma because these conditions might worsen by taking this medication.
Long-Term Side Effects
Serious and long term side effects brought about by the medicine are rare and usually comes about from prolonged use or overdose. Some possible long term and serious effects include difficulty urinating, white patches around the lips or mouth and swelling of the tongue. In certain cases the medication may result in breathing problems, although it is very rare.
This medication should not be taken if you are allergic to ipratropium or tiotropium. If any serious symptoms manifest the medication should be stopped and a doctor consulted immediately.
Interactions
Certain drugs and medication may affect the way Spiriva works. In some cases it is the interaction with these drugs that are responsible for the side effects.
- Ipratropium
- Oxitropium bromide
- Tiotropium
- Other anticholinergics
- Eye drops
- Some herbal supplements may also cause adverse interactions
How It Works
Spiriva works by removing the pressure on your airway muscles, helping keep them open for 24 hours. Every green, gelatin capsule has 18 mcg of tiotropium which is equal to 22.5 mcg tiotropium bromide monohydrate. This is combined with actose monohydrate which acts as the carrier. The active component in the medication is tiotropium, an anticholinergic that has muscarinic receptor specificity.
Generic Alternatives
The drug is available in generic form as tiotropium inhalation.
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