Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Spiriva as follows:
Genitourinary side-effects
- Spiriva use can result in relaxation of smooth muscle of bladder and contraction of urinary sphincter, which leads to increased urinary retention and increased difficulty passing urine. Retention of urinary in the bladder can increase the chances for urinary tract infection, especially in senior citizens and individuals with history of multiple UTIs. Individuals can present with fever, chills, rigors, burning sensation of the urethra, pain during act of urination, and foul smell of urine.
Respiratory side-effects
- Spiriva use should normally help with relaxation of the airways and improve the ease of breathing. But, use of Spiriva occasionally can paradoxically result in narrowing of airways, exacerbation of dyspnea and shortness of breath, and increased effort of breathing. This side-effect of Spiriva intake can lead to complications, especially in individuals with history of asthma, COPD, and other breathing disorders.
