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Managing Potential Mild to Severe Side Effects of Spiriva

Managing Potential Mild to Severe Adverse Effects of Spiriva

Managing Potential Mild to Severe Side Effects of Spiriva Medication
Managing Potential Mild to Severe Side Effects of Spiriva Medication

Managing Potential Mild to Severe Side Effects of Spiriva

In this article, we delve into the potential side effects of Spiriva, a brand-name inhaler commonly prescribed for asthma and COPD in adults and certain children.

Spiriva is available in two forms: Spiriva Respimat and Spiriva Handihaler. Both are used to manage symptoms of COPD in adults.

Mild side effects that have been reported for Spiriva include hoarse voice, oral thrush, headache, and respiratory tract infection. Symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection may include sore throat, runny nose, cough, and fever.

One common side effect of Spiriva is dry mouth, with symptoms including cracked lips, thick saliva, and bad breath. Dry mouth is typically mild and should improve as the body adjusts to Spiriva. If you experience persistent or bothersome dry mouth during treatment, it's recommended to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

It's essential to discuss any pre-existing conditions with your doctor before starting treatment with Spiriva. For instance, if you have a history of problems with urination, glaucoma, kidney problems, allergic reaction to milk proteins, or an allergic reaction to Spiriva or any of its ingredients, it's crucial to discuss these with your doctor.

Serious side effects that have been reported for Spiriva include acute narrow-angle glaucoma, paradoxical bronchospasm, urinary retention, and severe allergic reaction. An allergic reaction can present with symptoms such as skin rash, itching, flushing, swelling, and difficulty breathing.

In rare cases, bronchitis (a lower respiratory tract infection) was reported in clinical trials of Spiriva Respimat for asthma. Symptoms of bronchitis may include wheezing, cough, and difficulty breathing.

Less common side effects of Spiriva, beyond the common ones like sore throat, cough, and dry mouth, include urinary retention, tachycardia (increased heart rate), constipation and gastrointestinal discomfort, acute delirium (particularly in older adults), paradoxical bronchospasm, muscle cramps, and heart palpitations.

It's worth noting that Spiriva is not known to cause weight gain or anxiety. However, it's not expected to be safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, so these concerns should be discussed with your doctor.

If you have questions about side effects from using Spiriva, talk with your doctor. After the FDA approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If a side effect occurs while taking Spiriva, it can be reported to the FDA via MedWatch.

Remember, most side effects of Spiriva are mild and temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. It's always recommended to consult with a doctor or pharmacist if side effects last longer than a few days, are severe, or bother the patient.

In conclusion, while Spiriva is a valuable tool in managing asthma and COPD, it's essential to be aware of its potential side effects and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.

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