Spiriva and Chest Pain: What Users Say

• Ste...
• January 4, 2014

For COPD, Maintenance "I started using Spiriva a month ago. The breathing was easier, but after one month of taking it every morning, I started having chest pains starting about 10 minutes after the treatment and lasting for an hour or so. Then I began having crushing tightness in my chest. I have completely quit the Spiriva."

• Ste...
• January 4, 2014

For COPD, Maintenance "I started using Spiriva a month ago. The breathing was easier, but after one month of taking it every morning, I started having chest pains starting about 10 minutes after the treatment and lasting for an hour or so. Then I began having crushing tightness in my chest. I have completely quit the Spiriva."

• 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."

• 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."

• Joh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 8, 2017

For COPD, Maintenance "Took for 2 months plus for COPD. Worked pretty well. Then I noticed ulcers on my arm that at first I thought were gardening boo-boos I had missed. Had leg spasms at night but woke up one morning with a severe sore chest, like a mule kicked me. Got worse and then became a sore back, too. Quit the drug but spent the next night in a chair. Same time had an itchy eye that is now a stye/cold sore on my eyelid. 3 nights without it and still a sore chest, but better. Arm has scabbed, feels like ice water there under skin. Not so horrible side effects but certainly not worth the benefit and cost."