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?

Oral medications:

• Meglintinides
• Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors
• DDP-4 Inhibitors

Injectable medications:

• GLP-1 agonists
• Amylin Analog

Insulin:

• 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.