Inhaled Insulin
For a number of people faced with type 2 diabetes, there may come a point in time when insulin therapytype 1 and type 2 diabetes. Afrezza is a rapid acting, inhaled insulin, delivered from a portable inhaler. It is currently the only inhaled insulin available by prescription in the United States.
Rapid acting insulin should be to be taken at the start of a meal. It works to lower post meal blood sugars by covering the carbohydrates consumed and helping to bring a blood sugar that is elevated before a meal back into a target range. Rapid acting insulin can also be given as an injection. The three rapid acting insulin injection options currently available include Novolog, Humalog and Apidra.
What else do I need to know?
Who makes Afrezza?
- Afrezza is made by MannKind Corporation and sold by Sanofi
Who may benefit from taking Afrezza?
- Individuals not meeting A1c goals despite using oral medications or other injectable medications
- Individuals with blood sugars that are consistently above 180 mg/dL one to two hours after finishing a meal
- Individuals with a significant needle phobia
- Talk with your doctor to see if Afrezza may help improve your diabetes management
When do I take Afrezza?
- At the start of a meal
How long does Afrezza take to start working?
- Afrezza is absorbed rapidly from the lungs into the blood stream
- Peak insulin levels occur within 12-15 minutes of administration
How much do I take?
- Your doctor will calculate a starting dose for you
- Afrezza is available in four and eight unit single dose cartridges. Multiples of this can be taken as prescribed by your doctor.
- Cartridges are placed into a disposable inhaler that can be used for up to 15 days.
Most Common Side effects:
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Throat pain/irritation and cough
Contraindications:
- Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COPD)
- Asthma
- Current smokers or a recent history of smoking (quit less than 6 months ago)
Do I still need to take my long acting insulin?
- Afrezza is a rapid acting insulin and does not take the place of long acting insulin such as Lantus and Levemir
- Discuss with your doctor how starting Afrezza will affect dosages of other diabetes medication you are taking.
How can I learn more?
- Talk with your doctor
- FDA Afrezza Medication Guide
- Afrezza Press Release
What other medications may help improve post meal blood sugars?
- Meglintinides
- Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors
- DDP-4 Inhibitors
- GLP-1 agonists
- Amylin Analog
- Injectable rapid acting insulin: Apidra, Humalog, Novolog
To learn more first the treatment overview.
Are you currently taking Afrezza? Please share your story with the Type 2 Diabetes Community.
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