Spiriva
Respimat, a COPD drug given in the form of mist, has been approved by the US
FDA. But controversy that began since its inception is still ongoing.
In September
2014, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave Boehringer Ingelheim a green signal to
market its COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) drug Spiriva Respimat (Tiotropium) which is given in the
form of mist or spray.
Note: After a
year, the US FDA extended its use for long term maintenance treatment of Asthma
in individuals 12 years or above.
Unlike the drug’s earlier version Spiriva HandiHaler which
contains powder for inhalation, this new approach to delivering the COPD
drug into the patient’s airways has garnered a lot of controversy over the need
for launching a newer version of an existing medication.
According to the manufacturer, Spiriva
Respimat is as effective in treating symptoms of COPD, such as chest tightness,
wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, as Spiriva HandiHaler while having
fewer complications with its use. Both the powder and mist form of Spiriva are
meant for long term, once-daily use in COPD.
Is it all about making more money for the Manufacturer?
Skeptics have
been questioning the existence of Spiriva Respimat since its approval by the US
FDA hit headlines. They believe the manufacturers have found a new way to add
more dollars to their bank accounts by launching this product. Adding another
version of the same product may seem like an act of forgery. Pharmaceutical
marketing has always been in question for its (non) ethical practices, and its
disregard to consumer health while having a tunnel vision for profit only.
The new version
of Spiriva has some demonstrated benefits over its older version. Below are
some benefits of Respimat over HandiHaler.
Related: Is adding Spiriva to an inhaled steroid a mistake?
Related: Is adding Spiriva to an inhaled steroid a mistake?
What are the Benefits of Spiriva Respimat?
For some patients, this new method of drug delivery may
offer some advantages over its older brother Spiriva HandiHaler. Let’s discover
what they are:
1.
This new version is easy to use and does
not require spacer or holding chambers.
2.
This is especially more useful for
patients who have problems maintaining hand-breath coordination.
3.
According to some studies, patients with
COPD prefer mist inhalation over other methods of inhalation. However, there is
no well-established reason behind the preference.
4.
Respimat may be able to produce the same
efficacy even with lower doses of the medication.
5.
Respimat allows you to care less about
inhalation while taking the medication.
Note: The
incidence and severity of side effects with both these formulations are the
same. Severe cardiac
side effects such as heart attack remain the most concerning health risk associated
with both these. Find more about the Side effects of Spiriva
What’s Your Take on it?
Well, it all
depends upon you.
Medication is
not a new trend in fashion that we are eagerly waiting to follow. It’s
something related to our health and we should be serious about it all the time.
If a new medication is shown to be more effective or at least more convenient,
you should consider it.
Before you decide to take any new medication, talk to your doctor about
the risks and benefits. Learn about the medication, its side effects, long-term
health effects, and how expensive it is. At the end, the decision is always all
yours. Stay healthy and make wise decisions.
To know more
about Spiriva Respimat, COPD or more, book the best doctors in your town and
learn more at FindaTopDoc.com.
