What is Stiolto Respimat (Tiotropium/Olodaterol) prescribed for?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long term lung condition that makes it difficult for you to breathe. This medication is used to control and prevent symptoms such as, wheezing, shortness of breath, that are caused by the ongoing lung disease chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Controlling these symptoms helps you to stay active.

This medication is a combination of two drugs: Tiotropium and Olodaterol. Both of these medications work by relaxing the muscles around the airways in the lungs so they can open up and make breathing much easier on your. Tiotropium belongs to a class of drugs known as anticholinergics. Olodaterol belongs to the class of drugs known as long-acting inhaled beta-agonists (LABAs). Both drugs are also known as bronchodilators.

This medication must be used regularly to be effective. It will not work right away and should be used for relief of any sudden shortness of breath. You should have a quick relief inhaler for these types of situations.

Follow the instructions given to you about priming your inhaler if you are using it for the first time, or if you have not used it for more than 3 days, or for more than 21 days. When priming, spray towards the ground, not near your face.

This medication is to be inhaled by mouth, and usually 2 puffs a day, or as directed by your doctor.  You should wait at least 1 minute between each inhalation.  If you are using other inhalers at the same time be sure to wait at least one minute between the use of each medication.

Do not increase your dose or use this medication more often, or stop using it without first consulting your doctor. Your condition will not improve any faster and you run the risk of side effects.

Before taking this medication, it is best to advise your doctor if you are allergic to tiotropium or olodaterol; or to ipratropium; or to any other medications or allergies in general. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.

You should also let your doctor know of all of your medical history. Especially if you have ever dealt with any of these experiences in the past; heart problems (such as chest pain, irregular heartbeat, previous heart attack), high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type), seizures, overactive thyroid, difficulty urinating (such as due to an enlarged prostate).

Olodaterol may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away.

The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using olodaterol, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death).

Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using this medication safely.

While minor, some of these side effects may occur. They are as follows; Nervousness, shaking (tremor), or trouble sleeping may occur. However if any of these persist or worsen, it’s best to speak with your doctor right away.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: muscle cramps/weakness, increased thirst/urination, difficult/painful urination.

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: chest pain, fast/irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting, eye pain/swelling/redness, vision changes (such as seeing rainbows around lights at night, blurred vision). Rarely, this medication may cause sudden, severe wheezing/trouble breathing right after you use it. If this happens, use your quick-relief inhaler and get medical help right away.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

Stiolto Respimat how to use?

Your doctor will go over how to use Stiolto Respimat when prescribing it to you; ensure you follow those directions very carefully. Generally, to use the Stiolto Respimat inhaler, simply prime the medication by spraying it (away from your face) into the air a few times. While holding the inhaler upright (cap closed), turn the base in the direction of the arrows on the label until it clicks; open the cap, gently breathe out, and then with your lips sealed on the mouth piece, press down on the dose button while slowly but deeply breathing in. Hold for 5 seconds, remove the inhaler, and gently breathe out. Most patients are required to do this twice per day; keep in mind, your doctor may prescribe you a different dosing regimen, if so, follow only those directions. If you have any further questions, consult with your doctor.

How much does Stiolto Respimat cost?

The cost of Stiolto Respimat will vary depending on where you purchase your supply from. At My Drug Center, which allows you to purchase the same brand-name medication internationally, the cost for a one inhaler (containing 60 doses) is $134.00, about $2.23 per dose. A single Stiolto Respimat inhaler in the United States, at pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens, will cost about 4 times as much, a little less than $9.00 per dose.   

How long does it take for Stiolto Respimat to work?

The exact amount of time it takes this medication to work will vary between each individual. The medication should begin to open airways shortly after administration, but an overall improvement may take a few weeks to notice. Speak with your doctor for more information on how long it may take Stiolto Respimat to improve your condition.

How to pronounce Stiolto Respimat?

It may come in handy to know how to properly pronounce the names of the medications you are taking. The proper pronunciation of Stiolto Respimat is as follows; STEE – OLE – TOE / RES – PEE – MAT.

What is Stiolto Respimat used for?

The Stiolto Respimat is used as a long term treatment for COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). COPD is a lung condition which causes breathing difficulties and leads to additional symptoms such as wheezing or chest tightness. Using the Stiolto Respimat can help to prevent and reduce these symptoms from occurring. This medication will not be effective at treating an acute attack (when symptoms flare up); for acute attacks, you will need to use a short-acting medication.