Is a Spiriva Generic Available? Yes and No - GoodRx (2024)

Managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be tricky. Many of the medications used to treat COPD, like Spiriva Respimat (tiotropium), are brand-name inhalers without generic alternatives available. While these are effective medications that help improve breathing, lung function, and quality of life, cost can sometimes be a barrier.

Thankfully, there’s good news. If you or a loved one are looking to fill a prescription for Spiriva, there are steps you can take to make your trip to the pharmacy more affordable.

What is Spiriva?

Spiriva is a long-acting, prescription-only inhaler. It makes it easier to breathe by relaxing the airways in your lungs. Taken as two puffs once a day, Spiriva aims to manage and control your breathing symptoms over time.

There are two kinds of Spiriva inhalers available for use:

• Spiriva HandiHaler: This is a capsule-based inhaler that’s FDA approved to treat COPD. To use it, you breathe in a dry powder that comes from a capsule. The HandiHaler device pierces the capsule, and then you inhale the dry powder through the mouthpiece. Do not swallow the capsule whole.

• Spiriva Respimat: This is an inhalation spray that’s approved to treat COPD and asthma. The Respimat device delivers medication as a fine mist from a prefilled cartridge. To use the medication, you load the medication cartridge into the device and press a button to release the mist through the mouthpiece.

The active ingredient in Spiriva, tiotropium, is also found in combination inhalers. For instance, Stiolto Respimat (tiotropium/olodaterol) is a different COPD inhaler that combines two medications into one device.

How does Spiriva work?

Spiriva works by binding to receptors (chemical binding sites) in the lungs called muscarinic receptors. This relaxes smooth muscles in the airways of your lungs, making it easier to breathe.

These effects tend to last over time. Spiriva is dosed once daily because it’s a long-acting inhaler. It can relax the airways in your lungs for up to 24 hours at a time. When used consistently, this helps control COPD symptoms and decreases the likelihood of COPD exacerbations (flare-ups).

How effective is Spiriva for COPD?

Spiriva is an effective option for treating COPD. Clinical guidelines suggest that long-acting inhalers like Spiriva are key to preventing and managing COPD symptoms over time. Other possible benefits include:

• Fewer COPD exacerbations

• Decreased shortness of breath

• Improved lung function and overall health

• More effective pulmonary rehabilitation treatments

What’s more, Spiriva HandiHaler and Spiriva Respimat both appear to be well-tolerated. One isn’t considered more effective than the other, either.

How much does Spiriva cost?

When you go to the pharmacy to fill your prescription, it’s common to receive either a 30-day or 90-day supply of medication. For a 30-day supply of brand-name Spiriva HandiHaler, the retail price can range from about $550 to $700. The generic HandiHaler tends to cost $500 to $550. The average retail price for a 30-day supply of Spiriva Respimat is about $654.95.

Is there a generic version of Spiriva available?

Yes — for one version of Spiriva. A generic version of Spiriva HandiHaler launched in the U.S. in August 2023. It’s now available for use.

Spiriva Respimat does not have a generic version available yet. A generic may not be available for another few years.

How to save on Spiriva

Spiriva HandiHaler and Spiriva Respimat are available as brand-name medications, but you can also find Spiriva HandiHaler as a generic product. GoodRx can help you navigate ways to save on your prescription.

1. Save with patient assistance programs. If you’re uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible for the Spiriva HandiHaler or Spiriva Respimat patient assistance programs, which offer the medications at no charge.

2. Save with a copay savings card. If you have commercial insurance and meet eligibility requirements, Spiriva Respimat’s price is as little as $0 if you use the manufacturer’s savings card. There isn’t a manufacturer savings card for Spiriva HandiHaler.

3. Save with GoodRx. Spiriva Respimat’s price at certain pharmacies is as low as $520.77 with a free GoodRx discount. Spiriva HandiHaler’s price at certain pharmacies is as low as $385.25 with a free GoodRx discount. The generic HandiHaler is as low as $72.46.

Another option is talking to your healthcare provider to see if there are any other COPD medications that might work for you. It’s important to have an open, honest conversation with your healthcare provider about prescription costs.

If your prescription insurance denies coverage for Spiriva, your healthcare provider may also be able to submit an appeal or prior authorization. Each insurance plan’s appeal process can be different. But if Spiriva is the best choice for your situation, talk to your healthcare provider to see if this approach might be an option for you.