It's MUCH more convenient than taking Atrovent multiple times/day & I've been taking it daily since shortly after FDA approval in 2004. Very effective, long-lasting med which is helpful for COPD patients especially. Side effects are pretty mild (at least for me). It may be causing slightly elevated resting heart rate, but otherwise haven't noticed side effects as long as I take it in the morning (believe it might keep me awake if I took it in the evening instead). Have suggested they make the capsule fully or partly clear so patients can see the powder in the capsule before they take their med & no powder after they've taken their med. BI (manufacturer) says they'll consider the suggestion, which has been implemented in some other countries. Published: September 27, 2007 ::

I've been thinking everything was fine. The drug appears to work quite well. Today, though, I went to my eye doctor and he told me I am beginning to experience signs of macular degeneration. I am only 55. I have been on Spiriva for one year and nine months and it has been almost exactly two years since my last eye appt. I had noticed problems with my eyesight and I had read that one could experience changes in vision with this drug. Has anyone else out there had any such diagnoses? Published: August 13, 2008 ::

Increased risk of a Stroke using Spiriva. The FDA released a statement on 3/18/08 that Tiotropium (marketed as Spiriva HandiHaler) Audience: Pulmonary care health professionals and patients [Posted 03/18/2008] Boehringer Ingelheim and FDA notified healthcare professionals that ongoing safety monitoring has identified a possible increased risk of stroke in patients who take Spiriva. I suggest that you contact your Physician immediately as I am doing. This is the FDA webpage that discusses this problem. http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2008/safety08.htm#Tiotropium Published: March 20, 2008 ::

Been using it for 2 years. NO side effects. Insurance will no longer pay for it & I have to switch to Advair. Unhappy about this. Published: December 05, 2007 ::

I just started this drug after using the other drug ADVAIR for two years and this seems to be much better than the Advair! Hopefully I can remain on this and using only once a day instead of twice is more convenient also!!! Published: October 21, 2007 ::

HAS HELPED ME BREATHE MUCH BETTER AND HAVE NO SIDE EFFECTS SO FAR, CANNOT TAKE ADVAIR OR SYMBICORT THEY CAUSE SEVERE STOMACH UPSET AND PAIN, DIZZINESS MUCH MORE WHEEZING AND MORE TROUBLE BREATHING. I THINK THEY SHOULD MAKE A CLEAR CAPSULE, I INHALE MINE AND WAIT ONE MINUTE THEN INHALE AGAIN DON'T KNOW IF IT HELPS. Published: January 21, 2008 ::

My allergist/asthma Doc prescribed Advair and I had a number of side effects including pneumonia about two months after starting it. I was referred to a pulmunologist who immediately changed me to Spiriva. No problems with the Spiriva except maybe a little dry mouth. I have not been rinsing after taking Spiriva. I've been glad to get off the steroid in the Advair. Agree with the comments that the capsule should be clear to verify that there is content and that all is used. Published: July 15, 2008 ::

It has worked very well for me with my breathing problems, but I need to know, does it contain any steroids, because it seems my weight is going up and I am in a fitness class, I do not abuse food, but can't figure out why the weight gain. Published: March 11, 2008 ::

I finally stopped coughing and throwing up wads of mucus. I just wish the pill was clear so you can see if all the medicine was inhaled. Published: October 29, 2007 ::