Anyone who has ever suffered from COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) knows how difficult it is to live with shortness of breath. Sometimes, even breathing normally can feel like a struggle. But there are effective treatments that can help you manage the condition and make your life easier. Today, we are going to talk about one such treatment, a special inhaler that your doctor may prescribe for you.
What is this inhaler? (Tiotropium; Olodaterol)
Simply put, this is an inhaler that contains a combination of two medications. The two medications are Tiotropium and Olodaterol . You may see it on the market under names like STIOLTO RESPIMAT . The two medications work together to widen the airways in your lungs, reduce congestion, and make it easier to breathe. It's like clearing a blocked pipe and allowing water to flow more easily.
The most important thing: This is called a "controller inhaler." This means that you need to use it every day, at the right time, even when you don't have symptoms. This is to control the disease long-term. This is not a "rescue inhaler" that you use when you suddenly have trouble breathing. Your doctor may have given you a separate inhaler for that.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you use this inhaler, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. This medicine may interact with some medical conditions. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions below, be sure to tell them about it.
| Medical condition/other matters | Why should you inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Asthma | This is mainly for COPD and requires special care when used for asthma. |
| Heart disease, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat | This medication may affect heart rate. |
| Diabetes | May have a minor effect on blood sugar levels. |
| Glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye) | Eye pressure may increase further. |
| Kidney disease | The dosage may need to be adjusted because it affects the excretion of the drug from the body. |
| Prostate problems or difficulty urinating | May increase urinary incontinence. |
| Thyroid diseases, seizures | These conditions can be affected by medication. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | The doctor should be aware of the possible effects on the fetus or child. |
| Allergies to other medications, foods, or liquids | To find out if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in this medicine. |
How to use the inhaler correctly?
The way you use this inhaler is very important.
- At the same time every day: Take this medicine at the same time every day, as prescribed by your doctor. That's how you can get the maximum benefits from the medicine.
- Read the instruction leaflet: Read the instruction leaflet that comes with the medicine carefully. It contains instructions on how to use the inhaler correctly.
- Ask: If you have any doubts about how to use this, don't be shy and ask your doctor . He or she will show you how to do it clearly.
- Do not use more than the prescribed amount: Do not use more or more frequently than your doctor recommends.
- Don't stop taking the medicine: Even if you feel better now, don't stop taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to.
What to do if you miss a dose?
If you forget to take a dose, 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 to make up for a forgotten dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Other medications you are taking may interact with this inhaler. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements). It is especially important to inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medications:
- Some medications for depression (e.g., MAOIs)
- Some medications for heart disease
- Medications for bladder problems (e.g. Oxybutynin, Tolterodine)
- Some medicines for allergies, coughs, and colds
- Medicines for fungal infections (e.g. Ketoconazole)
- Some antibiotics (e.g. Clarithromycin, Erythromycin)
- Medications for Parkinson's disease
- Diuretics (medicines that remove water from the body)
- Steroid-type medications (e.g. Prednisone)
- Other types of inhalers, such as Ipratropium
This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about all the medications you take, if you smoke, or if you drink alcohol.
Things to keep in mind when using an inhaler
- Not for emergencies: As we said before, do not use this in case of sudden shortness of breath. You should use your "rescue inhaler" in such cases. If you need to use your rescue inhaler all the time, it means that your condition is not under control. See your doctor immediately.
- If you experience increased difficulty breathing after using the inhaler: Sometimes, very rarely, you may experience increased difficulty breathing after using this inhaler. If this happens, stop using this inhaler immediately. Use your reliever inhaler and call your doctor immediately.
- Dizziness: This medicine may make some people feel dizzy. Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this medicine affects you. Avoid getting up or sitting down too quickly, especially if you are elderly.
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Like any medicine, this can cause some side effects, although not everyone gets them.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| 🚨 Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| |
| 🩺 Side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
|
How to store the medicine?
- Keep out of reach of small children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Keep away from excessive heat, cold, or moisture.
- Very important: Use and discard the inhaler within 3 months of removing it from its foil pouch. Also, discard it when the dose counter on it reaches "0" or when the expiration date has passed. If any of these three things happen first, do not use the inhaler any longer.
Take-Home Message
- This inhaler is a "controller inhaler" used daily for long-term control of COPD, not a "reliever" inhaler used in an emergency.
- Use this at the same time every day, exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Always keep your prescribed "Rescue Inhaler" handy to use in case of sudden shortness of breath.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and medical conditions you are taking.
- If breathing difficulty increases immediately after using the inhaler, do not use it again and seek medical advice immediately.
- Never share your inhaler with others.
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