Spiriva side effects: Is stomach upset a concern?

My husband takes Spiriva for his COPD. It definitely helps his breathing, but it causes terrible stomach upset and vomiting. Is this common? Is there anything he can take with Spiriva to reduce these side effects?

- No name / No state given

Answer

Tiotropium (Spiriva) is an inhaled medication used to treat breathing problems associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), such as emphysema. Stomach upset and vomiting are uncommon side effects of Spiriva.

To reduce gastrointestinal side effects, it's important to take Spiriva exactly as directed. When inhaling the medication, inhale slowly and deeply until your lungs are filled. Then hold your breath for as long as comfortable before resuming normal breathing. If you don't inhale deeply enough, most of the medication gets deposited in the back of your throat — where it's swallowed into your stomach — instead of in your lungs.

Also, it's important to rinse your mouth with water right after inhaling the medication. Then spit out the water rather than swallowing it. This reduces the amount of medication that you swallow into your stomach.

If gastrointestinal problems are severe or persist despite trying these methods, your husband should consult his doctor.

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