1. Community
  2. Chest and lungs
  3. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

copd unbearable itching

Posted , 10 users are following.

Bill3366
Bill3366

I started Spiriva about 7 weeks ago  . The itching started about 3weeks ago 

2 likes, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • jude65855
    jude65855 Bill3366

    Posted

    I haven't had this effect from Spiriva and I've been using it for about 3 years now.

    Have you talked to your doctor abouit it?

  • emmgee
    emmgee Bill3366

    Posted

    Underlines what I keep saying on here - we're all so different !

    In my 30's to 50's I suffered from uncontrollable itching on lower legs and arms while insect bites took months to heal but since taking inhaled steroids and the occasional bouts of Prednisolone, it's all been fine for the past 6 years.

    • Nanny1086
      Nanny1086 emmgee

      Posted

      I'm a bit like you ,I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis about 20 years ago ,,,,,not pleasant ,,,,,but touch wood etc ,,,,,since I've been on steroid inhalers for my asthma Bronchietis emphasyma ( copd) approx 15 years they seem to have helped also with the colitis,
  • nanooskar
    nanooskar Bill3366

    Posted

    Hi Bill3366, Itching? and where? how wide spread? I have been on spiriva for about the same length of time as you, I have a constant itch across the top of my back, well, thats the worst area! can't see it of course but it feels like there is raised area. I will be talking to doctor about it next visit!

     

    • Bill3366
      Bill3366 nanooskar

      Posted

      The itching has gotten out of control. Sleep is only about 1to2 hrs at a shot . Could not sleep because of it last night and while sitting here I found this blog . Google   Spiriva itching allergic reaction . I'm done with Spiriva !
    • nanooskar
      nanooskar Bill3366

      Posted

      Oh Bill..that it awful..you need for your doctor to find you an alternative.. Good luck and I will be thinking of you..! hugs xx
  • QuitEm
    QuitEm Bill3366

    Posted

    Hi Bill, smile 

    I'm a newbie to the site and this group and quite by chance saw your post. 

    I have also been on Spiriva for several years and although I now can't pin-point

    the start of my itching, I've had it for quite some time. Doctor told me it

    was just down to a dry skin area and gave me cream to put on - which was

    totally useless as I couldn't reach the area at the top of my back to put it on

    properly. 

    Your post has made me wonder if the problem for me is also due to the

    Spiriva ! 

    • Bill3366
      Bill3366 QuitEm

      Posted

      I stopped using Spiriva two days ago, and the itching has really got much more bearable ,though my breathing is not good. My MD is aware of this and will see me this Wednesday. I need something to replace the Med with. Go to the Spiriva/itching Google site
    • QuitEm
      QuitEm Bill3366

      Posted

      I am going to stop using my Spiriva for a few days I think, see if it makes any difference for me. I'm on 2 other inhalers too so should be able to get by with them for a few days. Of course, it may be that it is one of the other inhalers that is causing the itching for me - but I will try and find out. 

      Hope your doctor can find something else suitable for you and I will check out that site you mention - thank you smile

    • Bill3366
      Bill3366 QuitEm

      Posted

      Stopped Spiriva two days ago. Breathing was not as good as when I was on it but the itchin was really out of hand 
  • cazzer61
    cazzer61 Bill3366

    Posted

    Hi Bill,

    Thought I would tell you about my recent experience with Spiriva.  I was on the medicatiion for approx 6 months without any side effects, then suddenly I was

    itching everywhere.  Doctors gave me creams and tablet still it didnt stop, then

    my phamacist looked up and there it was spiriva can cause itching.  I stopped taking the medication and within two weeks the itching had gone.  That was over

    8 months ago, and I started last thursday using it again as my breathing was

    really bad and sputum was excessive, last night the itching started so I have 

    an appointment to see gp next week to ask for an alternative

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.