Spiriva User Reviews & Ratings

Spiriva has an average rating of 5.8 out of 10 from a total of 116 reviews on Drugs.com. 42% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 31% reported a negative experience.

Condition	Avg. Rating	Reviews	Compare
COPD, Maintenance	5.8	116 reviews for COPD, Maintenance	52 medications
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Reviews for Spiriva

cat
Taken for 6 months to 1 year
February 19, 2013

For COPD, Maintenance "I was prescribed Spiriva about a year ago. At first it was easier breathing with it. I developed, over time, issues. Ocular Migraines, severe dry mouth, muscle pain, coughing that I didn't put together with the Spiriva. A few weeks ago I began having badly blurred vision and did notice that it was happening about an hour after using Spiriva. I looked up the side effects online and found that this was a bad side effect of the drug. I stopped taking it and called my doctor. He simply told me to stop using it, but he did not tell me that some people get severe withdrawal symptoms. After three days I had severe panic/anxiety attacks, lighheadedness and felt like I was losing my mind. I was taking Xanax twice a day. All is gone now."

1 / 10

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250 Report

sceptic...
Taken for less than 1 month
March 7, 2014

For COPD, Maintenance "My COPD was not getting any easier to live with. I stopped taking one medicine because it seemed to just make things worse. The Dr was not very helpful. But she did say well you can try Spiriva. I waited almost a week to try it. But when I had some time off from work, I decided it was time to give it a shot. I felt better quickly, but only for a few hours. I continued using it, and I must say that after 3 weeks, I am feeling much better. I got up this morning and did not even reach for the Albuterol. I am hopeful now and I do recommend this medication. Side effects have been minor. Dry mouth is the only thing I can link to the medicine. I have started taking Potassium supplements again to overcome the leg cramps which may be a side effect."

9 / 10

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188 Report

Steve
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."

2 / 10

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179 Report

Gumby...
March 31, 2013

For COPD, Maintenance "I've been on Spiriva for 6 months now with only dry mouth as an issue, so I keep hard candy around to suck on, I was at the point where I could not walk up a few steps without losing my breath, but now I can breath again!"

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181 Report

Anonymous
July 30, 2011

For COPD, Maintenance "I started taking Spiriva almost 3 weeks ago but have been advised to stop taking it as of today. I've had awful side effects that have built up.. dry mouth, sinus problems, blood in my mucus when I blow my nose, blurred vision, dizziness, palpitations. I do know of people it has helped but does anybody else have same problems as me?"

4 / 10

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181 Report

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Carol...
Taken for less than 1 month
January 21, 2013

For COPD, Maintenance "I'm 48 and have the capacity of an 81 year old woman due to years of smoking. I have smoked very few cigarettes since last week when I found out how bad my lungs are and thanks to hardly smoking and the Spiriva I am doing MUCH better! Only side effect is a REALLY itchy nose/dry sinuses/stuffy (really stuffy) nose...but it's much better to be able to take a deep breath and function again! Side effects are nothing compared to gasping for air! Love Spiriva!"

10 / 10

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151 Report

Anonymous
December 8, 2011

For COPD, Maintenance "My husband started using Spiriva last Wednesday. He was breathing easier but by Sunday, then he began having 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."

1 / 10

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150 Report

Anonymous
October 12, 2011

For COPD, Maintenance "I have only been using Spiriva for two months and find it more convenient than other medicines but wonder why every time I purchase new prescription it includes a new hand held device, adding to the expense."

9 / 10

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148 Report

Jenny...
March 5, 2013

For COPD, Maintenance "Spiriva works well for me. I have early stage Emphysema. No more breathlessness. I take it first thing in the morning. Rarely use my Ventolin inhaler now and other than an itchy nose, no side effects. I am a pensioner and the government pays almost all of the cost."

10 / 10

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132 Report

tnlobo
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."

9 / 10

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140 Report

siggy...
Taken for 5 to 10 years
August 9, 2012

For COPD, Maintenance "I have been prescibed Spiriva for almost 7 years and have found a marked improvemment in my breathing and ability to carry on a normal active day. I have not experienced any adverse side effects the only effects have been totally positive. I don't think I can give it up now. As far as cost goes, my HMO covers it. I think its a great medicine. Thank you the inventor."

10 / 10

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133 Report

vicky...
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 type 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."

1 / 10

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57 Report

64...
Taken for 1 to 6 months
June 26, 2015

For COPD, Maintenance "Was prescribed Spiriva when ill with bronchitis (never prescribed a maintenance inhaler although have emphysema for 2 years-only used rescue inhaler). After 45 days of use experienced moderate to extreme coughing that did not produce mucus, dry mouth, cloudy urine, wheezing as though lungs were filled with cotton, heartburn, flushing, chills, shortness of breath. Still had to use rescue inhaler 3-4 times per day. Stopped use, all symptoms ceased. Will ask pulmonologist for another brand. Everyone's tolerance is different."

1 / 10

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105 Report

Anonymous
October 21, 2012

For COPD, Maintenance "Hello everyone; Let me say that upon using Spiriva the first time I noticed that I no longer have severe breathlessness (which developed from Pneumonia July 2012 fro surgery complications). Let me also say IMPORTANTLY if anyone has bronchitis in the lungs to please do whatever necessary to clear it up, if anyone smokes QUIT! Don't wait like I did to have a dangerous bronchial attack, in my case I was at the E.R to get a jet-nab treatment when it hit, was told had I been away from the hospital I wouldn't have survived, since that night 10/19/2011 I haven't touched one cigarette, not even one drag. I also concur that I'm not having to use my albuterol like I was."

10 / 10

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119 Report

River...
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 gone, and am gradually getting my bladder muscle control back."

4 / 10

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84 Report

Quit...
Taken for 6 months to 1 year
April 22, 2015

For COPD, Maintenance "Almost drowned sitting up. Diagnosed with COPD. Leg cramps and back pain. Taking Spiriva and Symbicort Will try potassium pills to see if tired legs go away. Been taking Spiriva since last October 28. Im breathing ok. Not normal but ok. Haven't used rescue inhaler yet. I give myself oxygen therapy at night and a few blasts in the am. Breathing in thru nose and out with pursed lips to help . If you care about someone who smokes tell them how bad it is. It really sucks. It beats you up."

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95 Report

ttyme
October 3, 2011

For COPD, Maintenance "I have taken this medicine on and off for 2 years and the side effects outweigh the benefits. Terrible night cramps, dry mouth, coldness down to the bone all the time which goes away when I stop taking it. I can breath better with it but it is not worth the other side effects. I have had Bronchitis and asthma since I was 8 yeas old and I am now 70."

6 / 10

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122 Report

Despe...
July 17, 2019

For COPD, Maintenance "Having read the comments on this forum I can't believe how many similarities there are with the symptoms I am experiencing. Hoarseness and phlegm are the most annoying closely followed by crackling in my ears, nose congestion and cramps. I have very recently taken myself off Spiriva to see whether my condition changes. I can't say Spiriva has been very beneficial on top of my mainstay medication Seretide and Uniphyllin. It seemed to help initially but I now think that was more to do with psychological factors. I recently went to see a throat specialist about the hoarseness/cough/phlegm issues only to be advised that my medication was not a cause but that I was experiencing reflux, something I have never experienced before I started taking the mediation. There was no acknowledgement from the medic that Spirva has all of these side effect as well as the sinusitis and cramp."

3 / 10

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56 Report

BG in...
December 15, 2016

For COPD, Maintenance "Not so much of a comment about the effectiveness of Spiriva, but more about the company's "QUALITY CONTROL" which sucks! I've had a ongoing discussion with Boehringer Ingelheim, the company that makes Spiriva for the last year after receiving "blank capsules" in their packages. At a cost of over $12.00 (in my case) per capsule, this is unacceptable. I honestly expected that this was a isolated incident at first and reported it to the company (and pharmacy) immediately, and again, and again, and again! At first they stated it was a "isolated incident", then it was a "equipment malfunction". Seems like they have a endless supply of excuses, rather than fixing the problem!"

6 / 10

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73 Report

dianew
March 28, 2008

For COPD, Maintenance "I have been using spiriva for about 2 months. I find my breathing has greatly improved. I'm not using my albuterol several times a day anymore, maybe a couple of times a week. The only thing I have noticed is that I am getting severe muscle cramps in the front of my lower legs. This happens mostly at night when I go to bed. Has anyone else noticed this problem?"

9 / 10

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129 Report

PMich...
Taken for 6 months to 1 year
November 28, 2019

For COPD, Maintenance "Spiriva didn't help. Way too expensive. No such thing as 'COPD maintenance. Bronchodilators intended for cases of acute respiratory distress only. I suspect 'placebo effect'. $425 every month! Big pharma wins again."

1 / 10

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45 Report

Don...
Taken for 2 to 5 years
March 26, 2015

For COPD, Maintenance "Recently, I went to the emergency room with a blood pressure of 212 - 231 over 100 and pulse 68. Nothing was wrong physiologically, the ER doctor suggested reviewing my many medications with my primary doctor and cardiologist. I tend to be proactive and while doing this I dialed back my meds to the bare minimum which left blood pressure medication, aspirin and Asthma inhaler, thus eliminating my Spiriva despite not having any side effects. Today after a couple of days, off of Spiriva, I had real difficulty breathing and shall breathing, so much so that I cut my activities short to get home and rest. I reviewed the Spiriva side effects and applicable to me would be increased heart rate, and in my case a benefit. Can't live without Spiriva"

10 / 10

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74 Report

WTano
February 17, 2020

For COPD, Maintenance "I was taking Spiriva over a month it gave me hoarseness, swollen gums, sores in mouth the worse cough ever that's why I'm hoarse. I cough like I have TB and so much phlegm it feels like I'm drowning. I thought I had double pneumonia til I've read up on spiriva side effects. Mouth has sores hurts to eat and swallow. I'm taking rescue inhaler constantly cause I'm choking on thick phlegm. I stopped taking 4 days ago and I'm the same I may go to hospital in the morning. I'm miserable and so sick. Never again will I Take that stuff. My head hurts too and I get dizzy and feel like Im ALWAYS low on water."

1 / 10

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41 Report

wolfm...
May 29, 2010

For COPD, Maintenance "Spiriva caused my breathing to worsen. I experienced the dry mouth symptom. Spiriva did NOT break up mucous. I noticed NO relief. After about a week of use I was forced to stop it's use and resort to my rescue inhaler (Primatine). God bless those whom this medication helps but it is not for me. It seems I have had a paradoxical effect."

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100 Report

PG226
September 1, 2016

For COPD, Maintenance "I have taken Spiriva, more so in hot humid weather than in cooler weather, for 2 years and after 1 year did notice substantial difference in halos around lights especially driving at night, so much so, that I stopped driving at night. Last eye exam in March of this year indicates I have cataracts. I looked at full Spiriva Pharmaceutical description and in lab tests, this drug did cause cataracts in dogs. So, now I am up for cataract surgery. What does the FDA Protect?"

5 / 10

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56 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.