This is for you who use Spiriva! Should we use the HandiHaler correctly?

Your doctor has probably told you to use a medicine called Spiriva, right? This may be a new experience for you. When using an inhaler like this, especially this HandiHaler, it is very important to know how to do it correctly. Only then can you get the most out of the medicine, without causing unnecessary discomfort. So today, let's talk about how to use this Spiriva HandiHaler correctly, without any problems.

What kind of medicine is Spiriva? A brief introduction

Simply put, Spiriva is a medication that widens your airways, the air passages that lead to your lungs, making it easier to breathe. It's usually prescribed by doctors for people with chronic respiratory conditions to help them manage their symptoms and carry out their daily activities more easily.

The most important thing: Spiriva is not a rescue inhaler. That is, it is not a 'rescue inhaler' that you use when you suddenly feel sick and have difficulty breathing. It is a 'maintenance' medication that you take daily, as prescribed, to keep your condition under control. Your doctor may have given you a separate medication to use in case of an emergency. It is important to remember that too.

Be sure to keep these things in mind when using this medicine!

Okay, now let's see what are the important things you need to keep in mind when using Spiriva. Are these things something you should definitely follow?

• Once a day, at the right time: Your doctor told you to take Spiriva once a day, right? It's very important to do it exactly that way. You know what? These medications need to be in the same level in our bodies to get the best results. Like clockwork, when you take your medication on time, it does exactly what it's supposed to do. If you miss a day, or if you skip a dose, it can affect the effectiveness of the medication. So, just like your doctor says, don't forget to take it every day at the right time, okay?

• Only for inhalation, never swallow!: This Spiriva capsule is for oral inhalation only. Is it okay to swallow this capsule at any time? Some people may do so by mistake. But this medicine is designed to go directly into your lungs. Not to be swallowed. If swallowed, it will not provide the desired benefits, and may even cause other problems. So keep in mind that this is a medicine that is inhaled through the mouth.

• Do not touch the pierced capsule, wash your hands: After you have pierced the capsule by pressing the green button on the HandiHaler, do not touch the pierced capsule with your hands. If you accidentally touch it, immediately wash your hands with soap and water. This is because if the medicine powder in the capsule gets on your hands, it may cause an allergy, or if it gets into your eyes, it may cause redness and irritation. So be careful.

• Do not leave capsules in the HandiHaler: Another thing is, never leave used or unused capsules in the HandiHaler. That means when you finish using the medicine, take out the empty capsule and throw it away. Even if it is a new capsule, only take it out of the packet and put it in the HandiHaler when you are going to use it. Otherwise, it is not good to keep the capsules in the HandiHaler for a long time. Because moisture can get trapped in it and reduce the effectiveness of the medicine.

• Do not let the powder get into your eyes: As mentioned earlier, you need to be very careful not to get the Spiriva powder into your eyes. If this powder gets into your eyes while pulling up the medicine or handling the capsule, it can cause redness, itching, burning, and sometimes blurred vision. So be careful about this too.

• Keep this medicine away from children like any other medicine: This is not something that needs to be said. Not only this medicine, but all other medicines should be kept in a place where small children cannot reach them, at a height. Small children can unknowingly take these and put them in their mouths, and play with them. This can be a big danger. Therefore, you need to be very careful about this.

Okay, now let's see how to use this HandiHaler exactly?

Now let's see how to properly inhale this Spiriva medicine using the HandiHaler. It is important to follow these steps exactly. Do this calmly and without panic.

1. First, lift up the dust cap and mouthpiece on the top of the HandiHaler. That is, the topmost lid (dust cap), and the part underneath that we put in our mouth and pull the medicine up (mouthpiece).

2. Next, take the Spiriva capsule you are going to use out of the packet just before you need it. Separate one capsule from the blister strip. Then, peel back the silver foil until you reach the 'STOP' line. If any capsules accidentally come out and are exposed to air, do not use them. Throw them away. Do not save them for later use. Doing so may affect the effectiveness of the medicine.

3. Now place the removed capsule into the center chamber of the HandiHaler. Place it exactly where it fits.

4. Then close the mouthpiece by pressing it down firmly. You should hear a 'click' sound. That's when you'll know it's closed properly. Once closed, hold the HandiHaler with the mouthpiece facing upwards.

5. Now press the green piercing button on the side of the HandiHaler once. You don't need to press too hard, just press it once and release it normally. This will pierce the capsule inside and release the medicine powder.

6. Next, BREATHE OUT all the way. But never blow into the mouthpiece of the HandiHaler. Just breathe out normally, a little deeper.

7. Now , with your head straight, close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece of the HandiHaler. There should be no gaps. Then, BREATHE IN slowly and deeply. As you breathe in, you should hear the capsule inside the HandiHaler vibrate. This means that the medicine is being delivered properly.

8. Breathe in until your lungs are full, and hold your breath for as long as you can. A few seconds is fine. Then slowly exhale and breathe normally.

9. Very important: To make sure you get the full dose, repeat steps 6 to 9 (i.e., breathing out, breathing in, holding your breath, and breathing out) one more time. This will ensure that all of the medicine in the capsule is absorbed into your body.

10. Now open the mouthpiece of the HandiHaler again. Then tilt the HandiHaler to one side and let the used empty capsule fall into a trash can.

11. Finally, close the mouthpiece and dust cap of the HandiHaler again and store it safely where your Spiriva capsules are.

That's all. After a while, you'll get used to this.

Remember a few more little things.

• If you forget to take Spiriva for a day, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once. Talk to your doctor for more information.
• If you experience any unusual, new symptoms, or discomfort while taking this medicine, tell your doctor right away. For example, dry mouth, difficulty urinating, or changes in vision.
• If you are using other medications, don't forget to tell your doctor about them as well.

Shall we remind ourselves of what we talked about? (Take-Home Message)

Okay, so here are some things you should definitely keep in mind when using Spiriva:

• Take it daily, at the same time, as directed by your doctor. This is not a medicine to be used in an emergency.
• Do not swallow the capsule! Only use oral inhalation.
• Follow the instructions for using the HandiHaler exactly, especially piercing the capsule, listening for the capsule to vibrate when you inhale, and taking a second breath.
• Do not let the medicine get into your eyes, do not touch the pierced capsule. If you accidentally do so, wash your hands.
• Like all medicines, keep this one out of the reach of small children.

If you have any problems, if you have any doubts, if you do not understand these instructions, be sure to talk to your doctor or a pharmacist. They will help you. Don't worry, if you do these things correctly, you can get good results from the medicine.

Wishing you a speedy recovery!

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