Intended for UK patients prescribed Tiogiva

Welcome to the Tiogiva® patient website, where you can find information about your medicine and how to take it.

Tiogiva and COPD

Why am I being given Tiogiva?1,2

Tiogiva is a long-acting bronchodilator inhaler that helps people who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a chronic lung disease that causes shortness of breath and coughing, making it hard for you to stay active. Symptoms can also suddenly become worse (called an exacerbation). Tiogiva can help to minimise these effects on your life and also help prevent exacerbations.

There are lots of different types of treatments for COPD, which are are all designed to help you breathe more easily. Your doctor will prescribe the treatment they think is best for you.

Important things to remember2
  • Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor, nurse or pharmacist has told you. Check with them if you are not sure
  • COPD is a chronic disease, so you should take Tiogiva every day and not only when you have breathing problems or other symptoms
  • If you feel that your breathing is getting worse, you should tell your doctor as soon as possible
  • You will need to request a new Tiogiva capsules and inhaler pack every 6 months using your GP practice’s repeat prescribing system
How does Tiogiva work?1,2

Long-acting bronchodilators like Tiogiva:

Relax the muscles
in your lungs

Are used once
a day

Work all day to relieve
your symptoms

Help improve your
long-term health

Tiogiva comes in capsules, which you should only use with your Tiogiva inhaler. It is important to know how to use it properly.

Your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can also help and will check regularly that you are using your inhaler correctly. If you are unsure about anything or have any problems inhaling, do not hesitate to ask them for advice. You will also find instructions on using your inhaler in the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with every pack.

How to use Tiogiva

Using your inhaler - a step by step guide2
1. Opening your Tiogiva inhaler

After removing your inhaler from the pouch:

  • Open the dust cap (lid) by lifting the dust cap (lid)
  • Pull the dust cap (lid) upwards away from the base to expose the mouthpiece
  • Open the mouthpiece by pulling the mouthpiece ridge up and away from the base so the centre chamber is showing
2. Inserting the capsule into your Tiogiva inhaler
  • Remove a capsule from the blister (only immediately before use) and place the capsule in the centre chamber of your inhaler - See section below entitled 'Removing a capsule from the blister card' for how to do this
  • It does not matter which side of the capsule is up or down
  • Close the mouthpiece firmly against the grey base until you hear a click
  • Leave the dust cap (lid) open
3. Piercing the capsule
  • Hold your inhaler with the mouthpiece pointed up
  • Press the piercing button once fully in until it stops, then release. This is how you make holes in the capsule so that you get your medicine when you breathe in
  • Do not press the piercing button more than once
  • Do not push upward on the base while pressing the piercing button. This may cause the device to open, such as for cleaning (details on how to clean can be found in FAQ section)
  • Keep your inhaler in an upright position
  • Do not shake your Tiogiva inhaler
  • The piercing of the capsule may produce small capsule pieces. Some of these small pieces may pass through the screen of your inhaler into your mouth or throat when you breathe in your medicine. It is not harmful if these pieces are swallowed or inhaled
4. Taking your full daily dose (2 inhalations from the same capsule)
  • Breathe out completely in 1 breath, emptying your lungs of any air
  • Important: Do not breathe into your inhaler
  • With your next breath, take your medicine:
    • Hold your head in an upright position while you are looking straight ahead
    • Raise your inhaler to your mouth in a horizontal position. Do not block the air intake vents
    • Close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece
    • Breathe in slowly and deeply until your lungs are full. You should hear and/or feel the capsule vibrate (rattle)
    • Hold your breath for a few seconds and, at the same time, take your inhaler out of your mouth
    • Breathe normally again. Resume normal breathing. Repeat step 4 once more, in order to empty the capsule completely
  • Important: Do not press the piercing button again
  • Remember: To get your full medicine dose each day, you must breathe in 2 times from the same capsule. Make sure you breathe out completely each time before you breathe in from your inhaler
After you have taken a dose

After taking your daily dose, open the mouthpiece and tip out the used capsule without touching it, into your rubbish bin.

  • Remove any capsule pieces or powder build up, without touching it, by turning your inhaler upside-down and gently, but firmly, tapping it
  • Close the mouthpiece and dust cap for storage
Removing a capsule from the blister card

To separate one of the blisters from the blister card, you’ll first need to separate a pair of blisters from the main strip. An easy way to do this is to keep bending forwards and backward along the perforated line until it starts to tear, then separate it into two. Then do the same (bend forwards and backwards along the perforated line) to separate a single blister.

Remove the tiotropium capsule from the blister by bending the blister corner marked with an arrow, which will separate the aluminum foil layers. An easy way to do this is to rub your finger or thumb across the edge of the corner to lift the foil, allowing you to peel back the printed foil and reveal the capsule.

Important:

  • Do not cut the foil or use sharp instruments to take out the capsule
  • If you have accidentally opened another blister and exposed a capsule, the extra capsule should not be used and should be thrown away
  • Do not open the tiotropium capsule or it may not work

Watch the video below for more information about how to open your Tiogiva blister card correctly.

Things to remember

You should try to use Tiogiva at the same time every day. This is important because Tiogiva is effective over 24 hours.

When taking Tiogiva, take care not to let any of the powder enter your eyes. If any powder does get into your eyes you may get blurred vision, eye pain and/or red eyes, you should wash your eyes in warm water immediately. Then talk to your doctor immediately for further advice.

If you inhale from more than 1 capsule of Tiogiva in a day, you should talk to your doctor immediately.

If you forget to administer a dose, take one as soon as you remember but do not administer two doses at the same time or on the same day. Then administer your next dose as usual. Do not administer a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

Frequently asked questions2

What is Tiogiva?

Tiogiva is a long-acting bronchodilator that helps to open your airways and makes it easier to get air in and out of the lungs. The active ingredient is called tiotropium.

Using Tiogiva regularly can help with ongoing shortness of breath and will help you to stay active longer and minimise the effects of the disease on your everyday life. Daily use of Tiogiva will also help to prevent sudden, short-term worsening of your COPD symptoms (called an exacerbation) which may last for several days.

How do I take Tiogiva?

Tiogiva comes in capsules that you put into your Tiogiva inhaler. The capsules are only for inhalation and not for oral intake: do not swallow or chew the capsules. See the ‘How to use video’ and diagrams on this website or your Patient Information Leaflet for instructions.

You should try to take Tiogiva at the same time every day. This is important because it works over 24 hours.

How should I remove the capsules from the blister card?

To separate one of the blisters from the blister card, you’ll first need to separate a pair of blisters from the main strip. An easy way to do this is to keep bending forwards and backward along the perforated line until it starts to tear, then separate it into two. Then do the same (bend forwards and backwards along the perforated line) to separate a single blister.

Remove the tiotropium capsule from the blister by bending the blister corner marked with an arrow, which will separate the aluminum foil layers. An easy way to do this is to rub your finger or thumb across the edge of the corner to lift the foil, allowing you to peel back the printed foil and reveal the capsule.

Important:

  • Do not cut the foil or use sharp instruments to take out the capsule
  • If you have accidentally opened another blister and exposed a capsule, the extra capsule should not be used and should be thrown away
  • Do not open the tiotropium capsule or it may not work

Please also see the video above on how to remove a capsule from the blister card.

Do I need to replace the Tiogiva inhaler?

Your Tiogiva inhaler should be replaced after 180 days (approximately 6 months) and can be requested from your GP when you request more Tiogiva capsules.

How should Tiogiva be stored?

Store the Tiogiva inhaler in a dry place at room temperature (not more than 30°C). Do not store your inhaler and Tiogiva capsules (blister cards) in a damp moist place. Always store the Tiogiva capsules in the sealed blisters – only remove from the blister immediately before use.

How do I clean my Tiogiva inhaler?

You should clean your Tiogiva inhaler every month. For full instructions, please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet and ‘How to use’ video on this website.

Open the dust cap and mouthpiece, then open the base by pushing the piercing button upwards. Look in the centre chamber for capsule pieces or powder build-up. If you can see any, tap them out.

Rinse your inhaler with warm water, pressing the button a few times so that the centre chamber and the piercing needle is under the running water. Check that any powder build-up or capsule pieces are removed. Do not use cleaning agents or detergents.

Dry your Tiogiva inhaler well by tipping the excess water out on a paper towel. Air-dry afterwards, leaving the dust cap, mouthpiece, and base open by fully spreading it out so that it dries completely. Do not use a hair dryer to dry your inhaler. All parts of the inhaler should be completely dry prior to use. If needed, you can clean the outside of the mouthpiece with a clean damp cloth.

Packaging

We have updated the design of the Tiogiva packaging, so currently there are 2 different cartons available. Both are Tiogiva and provide the same medicine to treat your COPD. You should continue to use Tiogiva in the same way as instructed by your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

capsule Box

Useful links

Managing your condition – information and support

COPD is a long-term condition that can be challenging to live with, but there is support available. Here are links to useful sites:

NHS website
COPD information
Asthma and
Lung UK
WHO website
COPD information

Adverse events should be reported.If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any side effects not listed in the package leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard/.
By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

Tiogiva® is a registered trademark of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Europe Limited.© 2022 Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Europe Ltd. All rights reserved. Date of preparation: October 2022 NP-UK-TIO-0019 V2