Tiotropium inhalation powder

What is this medicine?

TIOTROPIUM (tee oh TRO pee um) is a bronchodilator. It helps open up the airways in your lungs to make it easier to breathe. This medicine is used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Do not use this medicine for an acute attack.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is used in a special inhaler. Do NOT swallow the capsules. Do NOT use a spacer device. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice. Make sure that you are using your inhaler correctly. Ask your doctor or health care provider if you have any questions. Small pieces of the capsule may get in your mouth or throat when you breathe in your medicine. This is normal and should not hurt you.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• changes in vision

• chest pain

• fast heartbeat

• infection or flu-like symptoms

• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation

• cough

• dizziness

• dry mouth

• headache

• muscle pain

• sore throat

• stomach upset

What may interact with this medicine?

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• atropine

• antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold

• certain medicines for bladder problems like oxybutynin, tolterodine

• certain medicines for stomach problems like dicyclomine, hyoscyamine

• certain medicines for travel sickness like scopolamine

• certain medicines for Parkinson's disease like benztropine, trihexyphenidyl

• ipratropium

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not use double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from humidity. Keep capsules in the foil pack until you are ready to use. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bladder problems or difficulty passing urine

• glaucoma

• kidney disease

• prostate trouble

• an unusual or allergic reaction to tiotropium, ipratropium, atropine, other medicines, lactose, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve. Do not use more medicine than directed. If your symptoms get worse while you are using this medicine, call your doctor right away.

Do not get the this medicine in your eyes. It can cause irritation, pain, or blurred vision.

You may get dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

Clean the inhaler as directed in the patient information sheet that comes with this medicine.