FAQ
Frequently asked questions
1
What is STIOLTO
RESPIMAT?
STIOLTO RESPIMAT (tiotropium bromide and olodaterol) has been clinically proven to significantly increase lung function and help people with COPD breathe better—all day and all night.
STIOLTO is a once-daily, steroid-free, long-acting maintenance treatment that helps control COPD symptoms. It’s a combination of two types of medicines: tiotropium, an anticholinergic, or long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), and olodaterol, a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA). These two medicines help the muscles around the airways in your lungs stay relaxed to prevent COPD symptoms, such as wheezing, cough, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
STIOLTO is not for sudden COPD symptoms. Always have a rescue inhaler. It is not for people with asthma, and should not be used by children or anyone who is allergic to any of the ingredients in STIOLTO.
Learn more at What is STIOLTO?
2
How can STIOLTO
RESPIMAT help?
- Can decrease the use of rescue inhalers
- Delivers a slow-moving mist to help you inhale the medicine
- Is steroid free
- Starts to open airways in just 5 minutes* AND lasts a full 24 hours
*STIOLTO is not for sudden COPD symptoms. Always carry a rescue inhaler.
Learn more at What is STIOLTO?
3
What is the difference between
rescue and maintenance treatment?
While rescue inhalers go to work right away, and you can feel their effect within minutes, maintenance treatment can control your COPD symptoms long term. Maintenance treatments, like STIOLTO RESPIMAT, are long-acting medicines you take once daily to manage your COPD symptoms.
4
How do I use
STIOLTO RESPIMAT?
After preparing the inhaler, patients can remember the steps for daily use with “T.O.P.”:
- Turn: the clear base
- Open: the green cap and close your lips around the mouthpiece
- Press: the dose-release button and inhale the mist
These steps must be performed 2 times to receive the proper dose of medication.
STIOLTO must be prepared before first use. Please see full Instructions for Use.
Watch a video on how to use it
5
I use oxygen. Will I still need to
use it with STIOLTO RESPIMAT?
If your doctor has prescribed oxygen for your COPD, you should still take it as prescribed after starting STIOLTO unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Learn more about STIOLTO
6
What is chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD)?
COPD is a chronic, progressive lung condition that makes it harder to breathe. It includes two components. One is chronic bronchitis, which is inflammation of the airways. The other is emphysema, which is damage to your air sacs (alveoli). You may have one or the other or both. These make it difficult to get air out of your lungs and new air back in. While there is no cure for COPD, with lifestyle changes and medication, you may be able to breathe better and manage your symptoms.
Learn more about COPD
7
What are the symptoms
of COPD?
Some symptoms of COPD include:
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Chest tightness
- Wheezing
Learn more about COPD Symptoms and Progression
8
Can I prevent my COPD
from getting worse?
Quitting smoking is the only thing you can do to slow the progression of COPD, but STIOLTO RESPIMAT can still help you breathe better. Once-daily STIOLTO is proven to help people who smoked a pack a day for 10 years breathe better.
9
What can trigger my
COPD symptoms?
Many things can cause COPD symptoms to suddenly worsen. Triggers include:
- Cigarette smoke and smoking
- Extreme hot or cold weather
- Air pollution
Learn more about triggers
10
Can breathing exercises
help my COPD?
Yes! Ask your doctor about ways to help you breathe more efficiently during the day. He or she can also recommend relaxation techniques to use when you’re short of breath.
11
Can I still exercise
with COPD?
In many cases, yes. In fact, exercise can have many benefits for a COPD sufferer. Some low-impact exercise, such as walking, stretching, and gentle strengthening exercises can help decrease shortness of breath and improve your overall level of energy. Talk to your doctor before starting any new activities. Even with COPD, it may be possible and helpful to find an exercise program that works for you.
12
What else can I do to better
manage my COPD?
There’s a lot you can do to keep COPD under control. For instance:
- Avoid triggers, such as dust or smoke, that can irritate your lungs
- Get vaccinated against the flu and pneumonia
- Avoid germs during cold and flu season
- Get your family on board with encouragement and support
- Take all medicines as recommended by your doctor
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13
What financial assistance is
available for me?
You may be eligible to pay as little as $0 co-pay for one year through the STIOLTO RESPIMAT Savings Card program. In addition, the BI Cares Foundation may be able to help those who are covered by federal or state prescription programs or who have no prescription coverage and need financial assistance.
See if you’re eligible for a Savings Card