Striverdi Respimat Is a Once-Daily Inhaler for COPD

Striverdi Respimat (Olodaterol) is a prescription inhaler used for the long-term, once-daily maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It belongs to a class of drugs called long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists (LABAs) and works by relaxing the muscles in your airways to help you breathe more easily throughout the day.

If you or someone you care for has COPD, here's everything you need to know about Striverdi — from how it works to how much it costs.

What Is Striverdi Respimat?

Striverdi Respimat is the brand name for Olodaterol, manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim. It's classified as an ultra-long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (ultra-LABA), meaning it provides sustained bronchodilation — keeping your airways open — with just one dose per day.

The medication is delivered through the Respimat soft mist inhaler, which produces a slow-moving aerosol mist. This design makes it easier to inhale the medication deeply into your lungs compared to some dry powder or pressurized metered-dose inhalers. The Respimat device doesn't require strong inhalation effort, which is helpful for COPD patients who may have limited lung capacity.

To understand how this medication works at a deeper level, see our article on how Striverdi works: mechanism of action explained.

What Is Striverdi Used For?

Striverdi Respimat is approved for one specific use:

• Long-term, once-daily maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with COPD, including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema

Important things to know about what Striverdi is not for:

• It is not a rescue inhaler — don't use it for sudden breathing problems or COPD flare-ups
• It is not approved for asthma — LABAs carry a boxed warning about increased risk of asthma-related death, and Striverdi should never be used to treat asthma
• It does not replace your rescue inhaler — always keep your short-acting bronchodilator handy for emergencies

How Is Striverdi Taken?

The standard dose of Striverdi Respimat is:

• Two inhalations (puffs) once daily, at the same time each day
• Each puff delivers 2.5 mcg of Olodaterol, for a total daily dose of 5 mcg
• Do not take more than two inhalations in any 24-hour period

How to Set Up and Use the Respimat Inhaler

The Respimat device requires some initial setup before first use:

1. Insert the cartridge into the inhaler body and push until it clicks
2. Prime the inhaler by pointing it toward the ground and pressing the dose release button until you see a visible aerosol cloud, then repeat three more times (four sprays total)
3. Once primed, the inhaler is ready to use

To take your daily dose:

1. Turn the clear base in the direction of the arrows until it clicks (half a turn)
2. Open the cap fully
3. Breathe out slowly and fully
4. Close your lips around the mouthpiece without covering the air vents
5. Breathe in slowly and deeply through your mouth while pressing the dose release button
6. Hold your breath for 10 seconds or as long as comfortable
7. Repeat for your second puff

Re-Priming Rules

• If not used for more than 3 days: spray once toward the ground before using
• If not used for more than 21 days: re-prime fully (four sprays toward the ground)

Who Should Not Take Striverdi?

Striverdi Respimat is not right for everyone. You should not use Striverdi if you:

• Have asthma without a long-term asthma control medication — Striverdi is not indicated for asthma, and LABAs are associated with increased risk of asthma-related death
• Are allergic to Olodaterol or any ingredient in Striverdi Respimat
• Need immediate relief from acute breathing problems — Striverdi is a maintenance medication, not a rescue inhaler

Talk to your doctor before starting Striverdi if you have:

• Heart disease, irregular heartbeat, or high blood pressure
• Seizure disorders
• Thyroid problems
• Diabetes
• Liver problems
• Low potassium levels

Also be sure to review potential drug interactions and possible side effects with your healthcare provider.

How Much Does Striverdi Cost?

The cost of Striverdi Respimat depends on your insurance coverage:

Without Insurance

The cash price for one Striverdi Respimat inhaler (a one-month supply) typically ranges from $275 to $400. There is no generic version available as of 2026, which keeps the price higher than medications with generic alternatives.

With Insurance

If your insurance plan covers Striverdi, your copay will depend on your plan's formulary tier. Some plans may require prior authorization or step therapy (trying a different COPD medication first). Some formularies, including certain Express Scripts plans, have excluded Striverdi in favor of other COPD inhalers.

Ways to Save

• Boehringer Ingelheim Copay Savings Card — Can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for commercially insured patients. Striverdi also participates in the $35 inhaler price cap initiative
• Discount cards — GoodRx, SingleCare, and similar platforms may lower the cash price
• Boehringer Cares Patient Assistance Program — Provides Striverdi at no cost to uninsured or underinsured patients who meet income requirements

For a detailed guide on all savings options, see how to save money on Striverdi.

Final Thoughts

Striverdi Respimat is a well-established, once-daily COPD maintenance inhaler that helps keep airways open so you can breathe more easily throughout the day. It's not for everyone — it won't work for asthma, it's not a rescue inhaler, and it can be expensive without insurance or savings programs. But for the right patient, it's an effective tool in managing COPD.

If you have a prescription and need help finding a pharmacy with Striverdi in stock, Medfinder can show you which pharmacies near you have it available right now. For help finding a prescriber, see our guide on how to find a doctor who can prescribe Striverdi near you.