Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals’ SPIRIVA RESPIMAT (tiotropium bromide) Inhalation Spray is now available by prescription through retail pharmacies across the United States, according to a company news release.

SPIRIVA RESPIMAT was recently approved by the FDA for the long-term, once-daily maintenance treatment of bronchospasm associated with COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and to reduce exacerbations in COPD patients. Spiriva HandiHaler (tiotropium bromide inhalation powder), which is the number one branded prescription medication for COPD maintenance in the United States, will continue to be available for patients.

“For 10 years, SPIRIVA HandiHaler has been a trusted maintenance therapy for patients with COPD, and Boehringer Ingelheim is proud to now offer another inhaler choice, SPIRIVA RESPIMAT,” said Danny McBryan, MD, vice president, Clinical Development & Medical Affairs, Respiratory, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. “SPIRIVA RESPIMAT represents Boehringer Ingelheim’s continuing commitment to the COPD community to provide new treatment options.”

SPIRIVA RESPIMAT was developed to deliver medication via a slow-moving mist that helps patients inhale the medication. The device delivers medication independent of inspiratory effort. As with all inhaled drugs, the actual amount of drug delivered to the lung may depend on patient factors, such as coordination between actuation of the inhaler and inspiration through the delivery system. The duration should be at least as long as the spray duration (1.5 seconds).

Boehringer Ingelheim will offer a savings card that will allow eligible patients to get SPIRIVA RESPIMAT for as low as $10, depending on their insurance provider. The savings card is available at www.SPIRIVA.com and can be activated at most pharmacies. For more information about Boehringer Ingelheim’s patient assistance program, BI Cares, please visit www.BIPatientAssistance.com.