Tiotropium and Difficulty Urinating: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• December 8, 2011

For COPD, Maintenance "My husband started using Spiriva last Wednesday. He was breathing easier, but by Sunday, then he began experiencing crushing tightness in his chest, difficulty breathing, pulse rates of 111, high blood pressure, and chest pain. We took him to the ER because we thought he was having a heart attack. It turned out to be a severe allergic reaction to Spiriva. He won't be using it anymore. He also had dry mouth and difficulty urinating, which are also side effects."

• tnl...
• February 5, 2012

For COPD, Maintenance "Spiriva has been a miracle for me. Yes, there is some hoarseness, sinus issues, and difficulty urinating, but for me, the benefits far outweigh the side effects. The inhalers did nothing for my COPD - Spiriva made a HUGE difference in my ability to take in air. My illness is more emphysema type of COPD. I love it - 2 days without it and I can tell a huge difference. With Spiriva I can breathe again."

• vic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 2, 2020

For COPD, Maintenance "I took Spiriva for one month. I stopped taking it when I realized I was severely agitated at everything, my heart would not stop racing, I had insomnia, and I was developing urinary retention. I have been off this drug now for 2 and 1/2 weeks. I was hospitalized for 3 days for the racing heart and chest pain. I'm still having problems with urinary retention. I am truly scared that this drug has done permanent damage to my heart that hasn't been found yet. I was referred yesterday to a cardiologist, but I will have to wait almost 4 weeks for the appointment. I have only slept two nights in the last 3 weeks. I have never had such a horrible reaction to any medication ever. I am wondering if anyone else has had these types of symptoms? I spoke to a pharmacist at the FDA who told me it takes an entire month for this medicine to clear your system."

• Riv...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 29, 2017

For COPD, Maintenance "I've recently stopped using Spiriva because I was worried about the side effects. The final deciding factor was my optometrist telling me that I had high eye pressure (possibly a precursor to glaucoma). I have also had red eyes ever since being on it. Other symptoms since being on it are trouble urinating with force (not able to pee fast when in a hurry), chest pains daily, muscle pains in front lower legs, constipation, and losing my voice or hoarseness. I value my sight above all else, so I will make do with salbutamol instead. Since quitting it two weeks ago, my eye pressure is now normal again, my eyes are not red, the chest pains are gone, the hoarseness is gone, and I am gradually getting my bladder muscle control back."

• Sue...
• May 15, 2018

For COPD, Maintenance "I was using Spiriva capsules for almost 10 years with no problem. Recently, my insurance company stopped covering it and switched to the Respimat. The first two nights, I was kept awake with restless legs. In just 5 days, I'm dealing with urine retention, sinus issues, a hoarse voice, and constipation. It may work well for some, but not for me. I wish they would leave well enough alone. I don't believe these changes are to benefit the patients; only the insurance companies and Big Pharma. Otherwise, they would not force people to switch to a new medication when the one they are on is working just fine. I'm so sick and tired of being an experiment for the drug companies, who probably give the insurance company a deal. I was told that it was easier to use. Ease of use is meaningless to me if the side effects make me feel worse than the condition they are supposed to treat. We are all different, and it may work fine for others. I think it is too strong for me."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 19, 2025

For COPD, Maintenance "After 10 successful years on the Spiriva inhaler, it became significantly less effective a few months ago. I started Spiriva Respimat two weeks ago, and the improvement to my breathing and energy is significant. Slight side effects of itchy eyes and difficulty urinating are the same."