The FDA has recently approved a new inhaler, Boehringer Ingelheim’s STIOLTO RESPIMAT, which is being found to improve quality of life in those with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
This chronic lung disease is associated with shortness of breath and increased production of mucus in the lungs. If not kept under control and monitored, COPD can quickly progress and become fatal. Many people with COPD need to use oxygen therapy, in addition to other medication.
STIOLTO RESPIMAT, which is to be used as a control inhaler, can take the place of other control inhalers used by COPD patients, including Spiriva. It contains tiotropium, the active ingredient in Spiriva, and another long-acting bronchodilator called olodaterol.
The best thing about this new inhaler is that it has the same side effects as Spiriva, so Spiriva users won’t be subjected to any new side effects if they switch to STIOLTO RESPIMAT. This new inhaler is known as a combination medication, delivered with a nonrepellent.
However, after a double-blind study involving 1,600 COPD patients, STIOLTO RESPIMAT did an even better job of keeping COPD symptoms under control. They used a placebo, as well as Sprivia itself to test it. Comparing STIOLTO RESPIMAT to Spiriva, the already effective treatment, was an essential part of the study.
The patients taking STIOLTO RESPIMAT showed a significantly improved quality of life after only 12 weeks of treatment. Two studies have been conducted, and phase III of the research has begun since the FDA has approved the drug.
After the drug has been found to be safe and effective in previous smaller studies, more extensive research is conducted. The phase III study grants access to many people who want to try out the new inhaler. The first two studies mainly monitor side effects, and the phase III study investigates the drug’s effectiveness.
People with COPD often have trouble going about their daily lives because they can become winded very quickly. Not being able to bring in enough air can also make one feel fatigued, and cause headaches and difficulty sleeping.
A suitable control inhaler with a long-acting bronchodilator is often necessary for people with lung diseases, who experience shortness of breath and other negative respiratory symptoms on a regular basis. These are different from rescue inhalers, which work quickly.
Control inhalers like Spiriva and STIOLTO RESPIMAT work over a long period to prevent symptoms. Having a control inhaler and a rescue inhaler is part of the medication plan of many people with lung diseases. They are meant to work together to keep the patient safe and improve their quality of life as much as possible.
Information on this page is for reference and educational purposes only. For more information about inhalers, talk to your doctor or primary care provider.
Page last updated: October 2, 2018
Scott joined American Medical Sales and Rentals in 2008 as a Web Manager and Content Writer. He is a writer and designer. He is extensively trained on oxygen therapy products from leading manufacturers such as Inogen, Respironics, Chart, Invacare, ResMed and more.
Scott works closely with respiratory therapists and oxygen specialists to educate the community about oxygen therapy products, COPD, asthma and lung diseases. He writes weekly columns and is passionate about educating the community on oxygen therapy and respiratory issues.
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Scott Ridlhttps://www.oxygenconcentratorstore.com/blog/author/scott/
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Scott Ridlhttps://www.oxygenconcentratorstore.com/blog/author/scott/
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Scott Ridlhttps://www.oxygenconcentratorstore.com/blog/author/scott/
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Scott Ridlhttps://www.oxygenconcentratorstore.com/blog/author/scott/
Scott please help,
I need a portable concentrator for my cat, can you tell me where to get one small enough to strap on his back?
Thanks heather