Tiotropium and Sore Throat: What Users Say

• MAa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 19, 2020

For Asthma, Maintenance "I have been using Spiriva for a short time, and I now have a constant cough, headaches, and a burning throat. I have now read the list of side effects, and it seems, for me, that it is going to cause more problems, short and possibly long term. I find it concerning. I will discuss with my doctor to come off it. I don’t feel confident on it. Buteyko breathing technique and exercises saved my life 28 years ago, and I was off all my drugs, including the nebulizer, which I used many times a day. I will go back to that, I think. Very concerned about the side effects I have experienced so far."

• 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."

• cha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 22, 2019

For COPD, Maintenance "My pulmonologist gave me two sample dispensers (28 puffs each). I had dramatic negative effects. I didn't realize the problems were Spiriva, however, until finishing the first sample and two days into the 2nd. I started having dramatic dry mouth, infected sinuses, and a very sore throat. My dry mouth was so severe I had to see my GP. His first question was, 'Have you used any new meds?'-and bingo. He told me to immediately stop using. I called my pulmonologist and reported what my GP told me. She agreed. It's been over a week since I stopped, but I still have terrible dry mouth and a sore throat. Bummer!"

• key...
• December 19, 2017

For COPD, Maintenance "I used Spiriva Respimat for four weeks, and after two weeks, my voice started to go hoarse. I stopped after four weeks, and it is now five weeks that I have had no voice and can barely whisper. I initially benefitted from usage, but it made very little difference. I am desperate to know if I will ever get my voice back. My doctor is arranging for me to see an ENT specialist."

• Hat...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 27, 2019

For COPD, Maintenance "I was put on Spiriva over 4 yrs. ago. I noticed a change in my urine output pretty quickly, but the worst of it came out this week after being given Baclofen as well. The 2 together have had me dealing with sore throat and swollen glands. Difficulty swallowing, headache, blurred vision, dizziness, UTI, dry mouth, weird taste and smells, tremors, and insomnia."

• Ser...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 17, 2016

For COPD, Maintenance "I was prescribed this because of asthma, and I have difficulty taking other inhalers because of side effects. I noticed within a few minutes that my throat started to burn after using this med. It seems to irritate my throat. I also have chest pain in my left breast and difficulty sleeping. Because of these side effects, I am going to stop using it. I am beginning to suspect inhalers aren't going to work for me."

• Bar...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 26, 2021

For Asthma, Maintenance "My big beef is the packaging. Every month there is a new plastic inhaler. There is no option for a refill. The cost to the individual and the environment could be a lot lower with just a little effort. My second beef is that I have a constant sore throat."

• Anonymous
• October 17, 2010

For COPD, Maintenance "After 3 days of use, my voice becomes very hoarse and I feel like I have a wad of phlegm caught in my throat, which I am not able to clear. Because of this, I only use it now and then."

• ABl...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 1, 2016

"Man, my vision started getting blurry and my voice got hoarse while using this. I teach and need clear vision and a clear voice, so I quit this stuff. I hated it."

• Gai...
• May 31, 2023

For COPD, Maintenance "Incessant dry cough, sore irritated throat, blood in throat excretions, quite a shame as I feel breathing was a little easier. I lasted 4 weeks, no more as side effects outweighed benefits."