ASTHMA ADD-ON TREATMENT 

Asthma add-on treatments are very important for people who experience asthma which is difficult to treat and also for people diagnosed with ‘severe asthma’. ‘Difficult to treat asthma’ means asthma which results in frequent and troubling symptoms despite effective use of regular preventer treatment and positive lifestyle choices (avoiding smoking and other triggers where possible) and management of other conditions which can have a negative impact on asthma. For people with ‘difficult to treat’ asthma, add-on treatments are often very helpful in controlling symptoms and reducing how often and how bad flare-ups are experienced. Add-on treatments are prescribed by a Respiratory Specialist.   

There is a new version of an existing add-on medication – Spiriva Respimat – in Australia, and we want to update you on this so you’re informed and empowered to know your options and make the best choices for you and your family.  

ADD-ON TREATMENTS 

Add-on treatments in asthma are medicines that are added to a person’s daily regime when asthma symptoms persist despite the correct use of tailored preventer therapy. There are a number of add-on treatments available in asthma and they work in different ways. Some work by reducing the cause of airway inflammation and others work by relaxing airway muscles.    

WHAT IS SPIRIVA RESPIMAT? 

Spiriva Respimat (tiotropium bromide) is an add-on inhaler available by prescription only. Spiriva Respimat can only be prescribed to people six years and older who have poor control of their symptoms despite correct and regular use of inhaled preventer medicines and who have experienced a serious flare-up which has required treatment by oral or injectable corticosteroids. Spiriva Respimat works by relaxing the muscles around the airways and works for over 24 hours.  

WHAT HAS CHANGED? 

The new Spiriva Respimat device has been redesigned as follows:   

  • The device casing is reusable for up to six repeat prescriptions. This means that after finishing one canister, you can reuse the casing another five times  
  • This means that when you get your new medicine at the pharmacy you will be given only the medicine cartridge to install into the device casing  
  • Your pharmacist can show you how to load your canister into your device casing.   
  • The new device comes with a new dose counter. This is different from the old device in that it indicates exactly how many doses remain in the device vs the previous traffic light indicator system  
  • The new device has a tracking indicator so you can keep track of how many cartridges you’ve gone through  

HOW WILL THIS CHANGE IMPACT ME? 

If you have been using Spiriva Respimat in your asthma management plan, this change should not affect you significantly, but mainly means you don’t need to dispose of your device casing each time your cartridge is empty.  

HOW TO USE SPIRIVA RESPIMAT 

Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you how to use your inhaler. Usually, you will be advised to take two inhalations per day, every day. It is important to use your Spiriva Respimat device correctly to get the most benefit from the medicine. Watch our Respimat device technique videos below or speak with your pharmacist about a device technique demonstration.   

HOW TO SET UP YOUR SPIRIVA RESPIMAT 

1. Remove the clear base  

  • Keep the cap closed  
  • Press the safety cap while pulling off the base with the other hand  

2. Insert cartridge  

  • Insert the cartridge into the inhaler  
  • Place the inhaler on a firm surface and push down firmly until it clicks into place  

3. Track the number of cartridges you’ve used  

  • Mark the check box on the label to track the number of cartridges you’ve used  
  • Replace the clear base into the casing  

4. Turn  

  • Keep the cap closed  
  • Turn the clear base in the direction of the arrows until it clicks  

5. Open  

  • Open the cap until it snaps fully open 

6. Press  

  • Point the inhaler toward the ground and press the dose-release button  
  • Close the cap  
  • Repeat steps 4-6 until a cloud is visible  
  • Repeat steps 4-6 three more times  
  • The inhaler is now ready  

Please note that these steps can either be done by yourself or performed by your pharmacist. 

How to Load a New Respimat Cartridge:

HOW TO USE YOUR SPIRIVA RESPIMAT 

1. Turn  

  • Keep the cap closed  
  • Turn the base in the direction of the arrows until it clicks  

2. Open  

  • Open the cap until it snaps fully open  

3. Press  

  • Breathe out slowly and fully away from the device  
  • Close lips and teeth gently and completely around the device without covering air vents, pointing inhaler to back of the throat  
  • While taking a slow, deep breath through the mouth, press the dose-release button and continue to breathe in slowly as comfortable  
  • Hold breath for at least five seconds or for as long as is comfortable  
  • Repeat turn, open, press  
  • Close the cap until the inhaler is used again.  

How to Use a Respimat:

HOW TO REPLACE THE SPIRIVA CARTRIDGE 

Note:  

  • The dose indicator on the cartridge shows how many puffs remain. 
  • When the indicator turns yellow, there are less than 10 puffs remaining and it’s time to get a new cartridge. 
  • When the indicator displays a white arrow on a red background, the cartridge is empty and it’s time to insert a new cartridge. 
  1. Turn clear base to loosen it and remove from inhaler.
  2. Pull out empty cartridge and dispose.
  3. Insert new cartridge into inhaler following the steps above 

Other important points:  

  • Always keep the Spiriva Respimat dry and clean by wiping with a damp cloth or tissue at least once a week, including the metal part inside the mouthpiece  
  • Try to keep your device in a cool, dry place  
  • Keep an eye on the dose counter and see your doctor or pharmacist for a replacement when it’s low.  

How to Remove an Empty Respimat Cartridge:

IN SUMMARY 

  • The manufacturer of Spiriva Respimat has updated the device but your prescription or routine should not change  
  • Spiriva Respimat is an add-on treatment that may be prescribed for people six years and older who can’t achieve good asthma control and continue to have serious flare-ups  
  • Ensure your written Asthma Action Plan is current and you can understand and follow it  
  • Children six years and older who are prescribed Spiriva Respimat must be under the care of a Paediatrician or Respiratory Specialist  
  • If symptoms are still not controlled whilst using Spiriva Respimat it is important to review your asthma urgently.  

Want to know more? For more information about Spiriva Respimat or to speak with an Asthma Educator about your asthma, call 1800 ASTHMA (1800 276 462).