The drug "Spiriva", analogues of which will also be described in this article, is able to provide reliable support to patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) during the exacerbation period and beyond. The tool is highly effective, reduces shortness of breath, especially in the elderly, and facilitates the respiratory process. The medication is not cheap, and it should be prescribed by a pulmonologist after a thorough study of spirography.
Composition and form of release
The drug is quite expensive, so it is sometimes allowed to use its analogues. "Spiriva" (the composition of the drug contains the active substance tiotropium) refers to the bronchodilator m-cholinergic blockers. Also in the dragee includes about 5.5 mg of lactose monohydrate.
The drug is available in the form of capsules for inhalation. Hard gelatin dragees of a greenish tint, opaque and have a black engraving TI 01. In capsules there is a white powder. In an aluminum blister - 10 tablets, and from 1 to 6 blisters can be invested in cardboard packaging. A special HandiHaler inhaler and instructions for use are attached to the drug. A similar form of release has many analogues.
"Spiriva" is used by patients with COPD, performs a therapeutic, supportive function and prevents a possible exacerbation of the disease. Also, the medication is prescribed for patients with chronic bronchitis and people suffering from emphysema.
"Spiriva": instructions for use
There is no analogue in the composition of the drug, but, despite this, there are medicines that are similar in their effect on the body and are able to replace this medication in order to prevent the patient’s well-being.
If there are no other appointments, then the drug is used once a day in the form of inhalation procedures, which must be done using a special HandiHaler inhaler. Capsules are not swallowed and are used no more than once a day. If the drug did not fit for one reason or another, then the pulmonologist prescribes analogues. “Spiriva” (doses of the drug are selected individually for each patient and depend on his health condition) - a medication that can only be prescribed by a doctor, and if necessary, at the right time, the doctor will be able to cancel or replace this medicine.
For elderly people, patients with impaired renal function, as well as for patients with liver failure, the drug is administered only at the recommended doses. In severe and moderate stages of renal failure, constant medical supervision is necessary. Spiriva capsules are administered exclusively with the HandiHaler device. It is designed specifically for this medicine, and they cannot be supplied with other drugs.
HandiHaler inhaler consists of:
- dust cap;
- central camera;
- grounds;
- mouthpiece;
- piercing buttons.
At the beginning of the application, open the dust cap and press the piercing button all the way, after which it is released. Then the dust cap is reopened and lifted. Next, the mouthpiece is brought to the upper position. The Spiriva capsule is removed from the aluminum packaging and placed in a central chamber. The mouthpiece is closed until it clicks, and the dust cap is not touched - it must remain open during the procedure.
The inhaler must be held with the mouthpiece up. Only once you need to press the puncturing button all the way, which will create a hole for the medicine to exit the capsule at the time of inhalation. Then the patient tightly presses the mouthpiece with his lips and holds his head straight. Inhale should be slow and deep. During inspiration, capsule vibration should be felt. Inhalation is continued until the lungs are completely saturated. After that, for the maximum possible time, you need to hold your breath and remove the HandiHaler from the oral cavity and continue breathing smoothly and calmly. Thus, you need to do 6-7 approaches until the capsule is empty. At the end of the event, open the mouthpiece and discard an empty capsule.
Once a month, the inhaler needs to be cleaned. To do this, open the base of the device, as well as the mouthpiece and dust cap. Pick up the button that punctures the capsule. All parts of the inhaler are washed with warm water until the powder disappears completely. The device is wiped dry with a paper towel and dried in the open state throughout the day. Outside the inhaler is wiped with a damp cloth.
The strip with the capsule is detached along the perforated line. The dragee is opened only before the inhalation procedure. The capsule contains a little powder and looks completely unfilled. A randomly opened capsule is thrown away, since a medicine under the influence of air cannot be used.
Such a careful therapeutic approach is not required by all analogues. "Spiriva" (the method of using this drug is described in detail in the instructions) has a not very convenient form of release, and many patients cannot immediately breathe correctly. Other drugs for patients with COPD have a more suitable form of release: tablets, drops, powder.
Patient Reviews
Opinions about Spiriva, as well as Spiriva Respimat, are mostly positive. Patients note an improvement in bronchospasm, easier breathing in patients with COPD. Some have helped cure chronic bronchitis. People talk about the high effectiveness of this medication, which could not give analogues. Spiriva (reviews confirm the quality of the drug) for this category of patients was more acceptable.
Reviews of people with COPD indicate not only the good result that the drug gives, but also the importance of its proper use. They note that all breaths should be slow and smooth, and quick and sharp manipulations can only harm or not get any effect at all.
Of the negative aspects of the use of Spiriva medication (drug analogues do not always have such effectiveness), people note the high cost and inconvenience of the procedure. Sometimes patients cannot inhale the drug as described in the instructions.
A small proportion of people respond negatively to the medicine. Some say that the drug is useless and does not help. Others see no reason to give such money for it and prefer to use cheaper analogues. Still others say that, despite all the shortcomings, this medicine is worth the money spent.
"Spiriva": analogues, generics
The drug is not cheap, and sometimes many people suffering from COPD begin to look for a replacement. Is there an analogue of Spiriva? There are no analogues having exactly the same composition, but there are drugs with a similar effect on the body and significantly facilitating the condition of patients. It is them that the doctor prescribes if Spiriva for some reason did not fit the patient:
- Daksas
- Siberian Breezhaler;
- "Troventol";
- Ultibro
- "Spiolto Respimat";
- Anora Ellipt;
- Atrovent
- "Foradil Combi";
- "Truvent";
- “Ident”;
- Ipratropium.
These and other analogues are similar in their properties. Their cost is not much different from each other. Many of them are available for inhalation procedures. But there are other forms of release in the form of tablets, solutions, drops, etc.
The drug "Daxas"
The most popular analogues for the drug called “Spiriva Respimat” were listed above. The leading position among them is taken by the drug Daksas. The medicine is available in tablets that must be taken once a day, which, unlike Spiriva, is very convenient.
It is used to maintain a stable state in patients with COPD with a severe course of the disease, prone to frequent exacerbations. Reduces the content of neutrophils in sputum and prevents the influx of neutrophils and eosinophils into the respiratory organs.
Patients can take the medicine without interruption throughout the year.
It has a characteristic anti-inflammatory effect. He, like Spiriva, does not relieve bronchospasm - for these purposes it makes no sense to use it. Contraindicated in children, pregnant and lactating women. Each tablet contains 500 micrograms of the active substance, roflumilast.
Patient reviews say that the drug is very strong and effective, therefore, after prolonged use, many patients experience side effects. Among the most common symptoms: sleep disturbance, nausea, diarrhea, rash, sudden changes in blood pressure.
It is strictly forbidden to use this drug without a doctor’s prescription, as well as independently increase or decrease the dose. With extreme caution, people should take it after 65 years.
The medicine for patients with COPD "Siberian Breezhaler"
This medicine differs only in the active ingredient from the drug "Spiriva Respimate". Analogs, including this one, are almost similar in the rest. Sibri Breezhaler is available in capsules with powder for single inhalation. A special inhaler is included in each package, which is suitable only for this drug.
Each capsule contains 63 mcg of glycopyrronium bromide. The drug, like its analogue, is involved in complex maintenance therapy in patients with COPD. Not intended for the relief of acute attacks of bronchospasm. It is well tolerated by patients and rarely causes side effects. Designed exclusively for long-term inhalation use.
Patients should take inhalations with this remedy once a day and strictly according to the instructions. If treated with Sibri Breezhaler in compliance with all the recommended rules, the drug will not affect the heart rate and blood pressure. It can be taken by patients from 75 years of age and older.
Reviews about "Sibri Breezhaler" are only positive. After several inhalations, patients already feel a significant improvement in lung function, which is expressed in free and light breathing. Some claim that they even forget about the present disease. Only in individual cases, the sufferers experienced sharp drops in blood pressure.
The drug has serious contraindications, therefore, without the prescription of a doctor, this medicine can not be used.
The drug "troventol"
Another analogue of “Spiriva”, created specifically for patients with obstructive pulmonary disease, is called “Troventol”. The medication expands the lumen in the lungs and, unlike its predecessors, relieves and relieves bronchospasm.
The product is available in special aerosol cans for inhalation of 12.5 ml and 25 ml. One press contains a single dose of “Troventol” - 40 mcg and 80 mcg if the bottle is 25 ml. The maximum daily dose is 160 mcg. Inhalations should be done 4 to 6 times a day.
The bronchodilating effect is observed after 15-30 minutes after taking inhalation and lasts for 4-5 hours.
The drug is generally well tolerated by patients, like other analogues. Spiriva, for example, can cause undesirable effects in the form of dryness in the oral cavity, slight sore throat, slight malfunctioning of accommodation - the same side effects are sometimes observed when taking "Troventol". Depending on the situation, the interval between inhalations is adjusted or lengthened, after which, as a rule, side effects disappear. If undesirable symptoms increase, then the use of the drug is stopped.
The drug should not be taken with angle-closure glaucoma, women during pregnancy, and with hypersensitivity to "troventol".
During treatment, unwanted sputum thickening may occur. In this case, you should consult a doctor to review the dose or notes of the medicine.
Ultibro
The latest drug for patients with COPD has passed many clinical trials and fully complies with all international standards.
It contains two active components: indacaterol in a dose of 110 mcg and glycopyrronium in an amount of 50 mcg. It is produced in capsules, which contain a solution for inhalation. The kit comes with a special inhaler for up to 30 uses. One inhalation is recommended per day.
The inhalation procedure should be done in the sequence described in the instructions. Do not use more than one inhalation per day. The duration of treatment is from 1 to 15 months.
The drug was created to maintain a stable state in patients with COPD over a long period and to reduce the number of exacerbations. Not intended for relieving acute bronchospasm. It has a pronounced anticholinergic effect. If paradoxical bronchospasm develops against the background of the use of the drug, then the drug should be stopped immediately.
With prolonged treatment, adverse reactions may occur. The most common cough and sore throat.
The drug should be used for treatment only after consulting with your doctor.
Characteristic of "Spiolto Respima"
Another analogue of Spiriva is Spiolto Respimat. This drug combines the action of two active substances: tiotropium bromide and olodaterol. Available in the form of metered-dose solutions for inhalation, an inhaler is attached to them. The cartridge of one package is designed for 60 doses.
The use of this drug significantly reduces the likelihood of exacerbation in patients with COPD. Helps patients suffering from chronic bronchitis and pulmonary emphysema to breathe easily and freely after use. Increases inspiratory capacity and expiratory flow, especially in the morning and evening hours. Against the background of prolonged therapy, a significant bronchodilating effect develops in patients. Respiratory obstruction, shortness of breath is reduced. The number of exacerbations is reduced. The drug increases physical endurance, significantly changes the quality component of life.
The drug is recommended to be taken once a day for a long period at the same time. Already in the first five minutes after the inhalation procedure, a significant improvement in the functioning of the pulmonary system is observed.
The medication should be prescribed only by a doctor. It is similar to Spiriva in its functional action and form of release.
Analogue of "Spiriva": "Anora of Ellipt"
This is another tool that will replace the Spiriva drug if necessary. Anora Ellipta, like its predecessor, is available in powder for inhalation. The drug has a special inhaler, which contains thirty single doses of 22 + 55 mcg / dose. The device is equipped with a counter for inhalation and a mouthpiece.
The drug contains two active components: vilanterol and umeclidinium bromide. Anor Ellipt is recommended for patients to maintain a bronchodilating effect. This action greatly alleviates the condition in patients with COPD.
The drug is taken once a day at a dosage of 22 mcg + 55 mcg. Some patients are prescribed a drug in an amount of 22 mcg + 113 mcg / dose. This dosage affects some patients in the most positive way: they have a significant improvement in the functioning of the pulmonary system and a decrease in periods of exacerbation of the disease.
The drug is used only as prescribed by the doctor, and the instructions must be studied before use, since improper breathing during inhalation can cause bronchospasm and exacerbation of the disease.
The medicine is not recommended for use by people suffering from bronchial asthma. Also, this tool is not used to stop attacks of bronchospasm.
This drug has an inhaled form of release and therefore can cause paradoxical bronchospasm, like other analogues. Spiriva (the conditions for using this drug should be carefully observed to avoid side effects) should not be used if this symptom manifests itself - it is necessary to immediately stop treatment, since further use of the drug can be life-threatening. Your healthcare provider should find the right analogs.
Spiriva (storing the drug in an unchanged form can only be achieved at a temperature of + 25 ° C or less) is similar in its effect on the body with many drugs, but despite this, only the doctor should replace the drug. All such medicines have a strong effect on the body and help people with COPD improve their quality of life. But it is important to remember that self-medication should be completely ruled out.