COPD/Spiriva

I have found pieces of the plastic capsule coating in my mouth after inhaling Spiriva for COPD.  I have a friend that has had it happen also.  She has been shaking the powder directly into the dispenser and inhaling it that way.  I feel this is not the way the medication should be dispensed but I am concerned as she is that the little pieces of plastic can be inhaled into our lungs.  Please let me know if you have an answer or who we can contact.
Thank you.

[National Jewish Health]

Spiriva® HandiHaler® (tiotropium bromide inhalation powder) has a filter screen to prevent capsule particles from being inhaled.  The instructions state, "Do not press the green piercing button more than one time".  Pressing the button that pierces the capsule more than once could crush the capsule into smaller particles.  You definitely should not be opening the capsule and inhaling the powder directly.  Please check with your health care provider to be sure that you are using this device properly.

[Jydm]

A related discussion, Pulmonary arterial hypertension was started.