I had just been thinking about this. Don't even hear any kind of whoosh and when I take the capsule out, at times there are two puncture holes, at others there's chip like holes. So I use another. From what I understand, it's fairly common with Spiriva. I've yet to find a solution for it,

The worst is I get a 30 day supply and my insurance will only allow the prescription to be filled once every 30 days.

Sure is frustrating.

I have the same problem. But what I've found is that when to needles in the device make nice neat little holes, then I get the whoosh just fine. But if by chance, the needles make big holes, or even take the top off the capsule, which has happened to me, then there is no sound at all.

When in doubt, I'll inhale again, and when I take the capsule out, and it's empty, I just assume that I got the dose, and try not to worry about it. I don't known what would cause this, humidity? whether you have the larger end of the capsule up or down, or what? I do hop that Spiriva can improve their delivery system, without resorting to the "respimat" system, which apparently gives you a bigger dose.

Hugs, Sue

It is a common problem. You don't know if you got an empty capsule or what.

I use a rotahaler (not available in the US). You can get a rotahaler from inhousepharmacy.biz for $5.

To see how to use a rotahaler, there are youtube video instructions. Or you can empty the contents of the capsule into the rotahaler. You can see if the capsule is empty or not.

I buy generic spiriva from alldaychemist.com. Their capsules are clear on one end so you know for certain it contains medication. The distributors of spiriva in the US should be so accountable.

Bold....

Can you tell me exactly how it's listed? I tried to find it at the site under rota inhaler, with no luck.

Thanks!

If you get 90 Spiriva, it apparently comes with a rotahaler, but if you just wanted the rotahaler itself, it's about $1.80 (although with $25 shipping, I hope you're getting something else!).

https://www.alldaychemist.com/878-rotahaler-.html

I get all my inhalers from alldaychemist as well. Has saved
me a ton of money. And they are so easy to deal with.
I buy a year at a time.

Here is the link to the the rotahaler at inhousepharmacy.biz;

http://www.inhousepharmacy.biz/p-444-rotahaler-inhalation-device.aspx

It is $5 with free shipping.

I use the remist when the scare about the remist came out I asked my dr to change me to the handihaler I found it difficult to use. my dr assured me that the remist inhaler was perfectly safe so I went back to using it .

I live in Europe so both are approved for use.

Thanks for the link, Boldprint. I ordered one.

Best,

Joni

I have found that when I have a problem with the Spriva inhaler, it's due to a malfunction of the inhaler. I keep a backup inhaler. If you have an inhaler that worked correctly consistently, then keep it in reserve for the next time you have a problem with your recent one. I don't see any downside to re-using an inhaler after it's been used for a month.

Thanks everyone!

I use the handihaler. Most of the time its ok but occasionally get a dud capsule.

I read somewhere that to be sure to puncture the capsule only once.

There's a few tips on using Spiriva Handihaler:

http://www.spiriva.com/about-spiriva/using-spiriva.html

that link didn't work too well, try this one:

http://www.spiriva.com/about-spiriva/using-spiriva.html

or this:

http://www.spiriva.com/about-spiriva/using-spiriva.html

that's odd, one more try:

http://spiriva.com/about-spiriva/using-spiriva.html

or type into your browser (closing space after the http:// )

http:// spiriva.com/about-spiriva/using.html

When you push in the blue button to puncture the capsule, push it firm but slowly.

Peta44, what does it mean to have a dud capsule?