This article describes possible side effects of Spiriva inhaler. You can explore this overview article to learn more about Spiriva, including the drug’s uses, side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.

Spiriva is a brand-name medication that comes in two forms.

Spiriva Handihaler comes as capsules that contain Spiriva powder and an inhaler. The inhaler pierces the capsule so you can breathe in the powder.
Spiriva Respimat comes as cartridges that contain Spiriva spray and an inhaler. The inhaler delivers spray as a fine mist that you breathe in.

Spiriva isn’t available in a generic version. This article describes possible side effects of Spiriva.

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More common side effects of Spiriva

Below are some of the more common side effects of Spiriva inhaler that occurred during the drug’s studies. The more common side effects varied based on the condition being treated and the form of Spiriva used.

More common side effects reported in people using Spiriva Handihaler for (COPD) include:

upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold
dry mouth
sinus infections
sore throat
cough*

More common side effects reported in people using Spiriva Respimat for COPD include:

sore throat
cough*
dry mouth
sinus infections

More common side effects reported in people using Spiriva Respimat for asthma include:

sore throat
headache
bronchitis
sinus infections

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Spiriva in detail” section below.

Mild side effects of Spiriva

Spiriva may cause certain mild side effects. Usually, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.

Mild side effects of Spiriva inhaler that occurred in studies include:

upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold
dry mouth
cough*
sinus infections
runny nose
sore throat
urinary tract infection
chest pain
indigestion
stomach pain
fluid buildup
constipation
vomiting
muscle aches
bronchitis
headache
rash
blurry vision
fast heart rate
mild allergic reaction*

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Spiriva in detail” section below.

These side effects were reported in studies of Spiriva Handihaler and Spiriva Respimat.

Spiriva may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information for Spiriva Handihaler and Spiriva Respimat.

Serious side effects of Spiriva

Spiriva may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from Spiriva inhaler, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Spiriva.

Serious side effects of Spiriva inhaler that occurred in studies include:

unexpected bronchospasm*
difficulty emptying your bladder
acute narrow-angle glaucoma (increased pressure in your eye)
depression
severe allergic reaction*

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Spiriva in detail” section below.

These side effects were reported in studies of Spiriva Handihaler and Spiriva Respimat.

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Common questions about side effects of Spiriva

Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of Spiriva inhaler. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Do side effects of Spiriva go away?

Typically, yes. In most cases, side effects of Spiriva are temporary and will go away in a few days or weeks.

If you experience side effects that won’t go away or are getting worse, talk with your doctor.

Does Spiriva cause long-term side effects?

Long-term side effects aren’t expected with Spiriva. In studies, specific side effects weren’t seen in people who had taken the drug for a long time. Long lasting side effects after treatment ended also weren’t reported. This information comes from studies of Spiriva Handihaler and Spiriva Respimat.

Talk with your doctor if you have more questions about possible long-term side effects with Spiriva.

Are anxiety and weight gain side effects of Spiriva?

No. Anxiety and weight gain aren’t known side effects of Spiriva. These side effects weren’t reported in studies of Spiriva Handihaler and Spiriva Respimat.

If you experience anxiety or weight gain during Spiriva treatment, talk with your doctor. They can help determine the cause and recommend ways to manage these conditions.

Side effects of Spiriva in detail

Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of Spiriva inhaler.

Cough

In studies, coughing was common in people using Spiriva. This side effect is usually mild. This side effect was reported in studies of Spiriva Handihaler and Spiriva Respimat.

Coughing is a reflex that helps clear your throat. When your throat gets clogged with mucus or foreign particles, coughing can help clear the throat to make breathing easier.

Ways to manage

In most cases, coughing is a temporary side effect of Spiriva. But if you have a persistent cough or a cough that is really bothersome, tell your doctor. In some cases, a cough may be a sign of a sinus infection or upper respiratory infection. Your doctor can help determine the cause and recommend treatment options.

Unexpected bronchospasms

In studies, unexpected bronchospasms were rare in people using Spiriva. This side effect may be serious. This side effect was reported in studies of Spiriva Handihaler and Spiriva Respimat.

With bronchospasms, your airways tighten unexpectedly. This can limit the amount of air that comes in or goes out of your lungs, making it hard to breathe. Symptoms may include:

tightness in your chest
difficulty catching your breath
wheezing
coughing
tiredness
dizziness

Ways to manage

If you experience symptoms of a bronchospasm, use a rescue inhaler, such as albuterol, right away and call your doctor. They’ll likely have you stop using Spiriva.

Allergic reaction

For some people, Spiriva can cause an allergic reaction.

Symptoms can be mild or serious, and they may include:

itchiness
skin rash
swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep using the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Spiriva, your doctor may recommend using a different medication instead.

Warnings for Spiriva

Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before using Spiriva inhaler.

Warnings

It may not be safe for you to use Spiriva inhaler if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether Spiriva is a safe treatment option for you.

Before using Spiriva inhaler, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take. Things to consider include:

bladder problems
kidney problems
closed-angle glaucoma
past allergic reaction to Spiriva

Spiriva and pregnancy

It’s not known whether Spiriva inhaler should be used during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before using this medication.

Spiriva and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether Spiriva inhaler should be used while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before using this medication.

Spiriva and alcohol

Spiriva inhaler is not known to interact with alcohol.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with Spiriva.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes common and serious side effects of Spiriva inhaler. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

Do I have a higher risk of side effects given my medical history?
How do the side effects of Spiriva compare with other drugs used for my condition?
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Spiriva treatment?

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.