Stiolto Respimat (Tiotropium Bromide / Olodaterol)

Stiolto Respimat is a prescription inhaler that combines two medicines to help people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It is used once a day as a long-term maintenance treatment, not for quick relief. Tiotropium works by relaxing the muscles around the airways, while olodaterol helps open up the airways to make breathing easier.

Directions

The standard dosage of Stiolto Respimat is 2 inhalations once daily at the same time each day. Don't take more than 2 inhalations in 24 hours.

Before the first use, the inhaler needs to be primed. Insert the cartridge and prime the device by turning the base until it clicks, opening the cap, and pressing the dose release button while pointing away from the face. Repeat this process 3 more times until there's a visible mist.

When using it daily, the steps involve first holding the inhaler upright with the cap closed. Then, turn the base until it clicks, open the cap, and breathe out slowly. The mouthpiece should be placed between the lips while closing them around it. Next, press the dose release button while taking a slow, deep breath through the mouth. Hold your breath for 10 seconds or as long as comfortable, then breathe out slowly.

After each use, the cap should be closed until the next dose. If the inhaler hasn't been used for more than 3 days, patients need to release 1 puff toward the ground before the next use. If it hasn't been used for more than 21 days, the device needs to be re-primed with 3 puffs.

Ingredients

Stiolto Respimat contains tiotropium bromide and olodaterol as its active ingredients.

Cautions

• Before using this medication, you may want to consult a healthcare provider about the following:
  • Any existing health conditions
  • Any allergies
  • A list of all medications currently being taken
• Stiolto is not approved to treat asthma, and its safety in people with asthma has not been established. Medicines like Stiolto should not be used for asthma because similar drugs have been linked to serious asthma-related events, including death.
• Stiolto is meant for daily maintenance of COPD and should not be used during sudden breathing attacks. It does not work as a rescue inhaler, so a short-acting inhaler should still be used for quick relief.
• If breathing symptoms suddenly get worse, or if a rescue inhaler is needed more often than usual, this may be a sign that COPD is worsening and medical care should be sought right away.
• Using Stiolto more often or at higher doses than prescribed, or using it with other long-acting inhalers of the same type, can lead to serious heart problems. Overuse of similar inhaled medicines has been linked to dangerous side effects.
• Serious allergic reactions can occur, including swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, trouble breathing, rash, or itching. If this happens, stop using Stiolto and get medical help immediately.
• In rare cases, Stiolto can cause breathing to suddenly worsen right after inhalation. If this happens, stop using the medication and seek emergency care.
• Stiolto may increase heart rate or blood pressure in some people. It should be used with caution if you have heart disease, heart rhythm problems, or high blood pressure.
• Extra caution is needed if you have seizure disorders, thyroid problems, diabetes, or conditions that affect heart rhythm. Similar medicines have been shown to worsen blood sugar control in some patients.
• Stiolto may worsen narrow-angle glaucoma and cause eye pain, blurred vision, or seeing halos around lights. Seek medical care if these symptoms occur.
• It may also worsen urinary retention, especially in people with prostate or bladder problems. Difficulty urinating or painful urination should be reported immediately.
• People with moderate to severe kidney problems may be more sensitive to side effects and should be monitored closely while using Stiolto.
• In some cases, Stiolto can lower potassium levels or raise blood sugar, especially at high doses or in people with severe COPD. These changes were uncommon in studies but may increase the risk of heart rhythm problems in vulnerable patients.

Contraindications

Avoid taking or using this medication if any of the following apply:

• Hypersensitivity to tiotropium, ipratropium, olodaterol, or any ingredient of this product

Side Effects

Common side effects of Stiolto Respimat include:

• Runny nose
• Cough
• Back pain

These side effects are generally mild and may fade as your body adjusts to the medication. If cough, nasal symptoms, or back discomfort persist or become bothersome, let your healthcare provider know. Do not increase your dose on your own if COPD symptoms worsen.

More serious side effects can occur. For example, Stiolto can worsen breathing problems or cause heart-related effects such as fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, or increased blood pressure. It may also cause sudden shortness of breath after use, eye problems like acute narrow-angle glaucoma, urinary retention, or changes in blood sugar or potassium levels. Seek emergency care if breathing suddenly worsens, your rescue inhaler does not help, or you develop chest pain, severe eye pain, facial swelling, or difficulty urinating.