Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while using Spiriva as follows:
- If you miss a dose, try taking it at the earliest notice of noncompliance. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the dose scheduled. Do not take an extra dose to try making up for the missed dose, to avoid overdose and toxicity with the medication. Notify your doctor and other health care personnel regarding your dose noncompliance.
- From the point of placing the capsule in the device, closing the mouthpiece over the central chamber, pressing the green button once fully to puncture the capsule in the center chamber and releasing it, do not breathe into the exposed mouthpiece, as this can result in blowing away the medication powder from breathing into the lungs and medication wastage.
- Gargle and rinse the mouth with water after every dose of Spiriva inhalation. Spit out this water after rinsing and do not swallow. This helps prevent any unpleasant taste, dryness of the mouth, and any discomfort of throat irritation.
- Spiriva use can result in dry eyes with reduced tear production, irritation and redness of eyes, and blurred vision. Use of artificial tears can help relieve symptoms of dry eye.
