insulin inhalation Health Article

Generic name(s):

insulin inhalation

Brand name(s):

rapid acting, EXUBERA

What is the most important information I should know about insulin inhalation?

Insulin inhalation (Exubera) was withdrawn from the U.S. market in 2007 due to lack of consumer demand for the product. No drug safety concerns were cited in this withdrawal.

Do not use insulin inhalation if you smoke, or if you have recently quit smoking (within the past 6 months). If you start smoking while using insulin inhalation, you will have to stop using this medication and switch to another form of insulin to control your blood sugar.

Before using this medicine, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or lung disorders such as asthma or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

You should not insulin inhalation if you have a lung disease that is not well controlled with medication or other treatments.

There are many other drugs that can potentially interfere with the glucose-lowering effects of insulin inhalation. It is extremely important that you tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

If there are any changes in the brand, strength, or type of insulin you use, your dosage needs may change. Always check your medicine when it is refilled to make sure you have received the correct brand and type as prescribed by your doctor. Ask the pharmacist if you have any questions about the medicine given to you at the pharmacy.

If you use insulin inhalation as a meal-time insulin, use it no more than 10 minutes before eating the meal.

This medication is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, and testing your blood sugar. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely. Changing any of these factors can affect your blood sugar levels.

Take care to keep your blood sugar from getting too low, causing hypoglycemia. Know the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, which include headache, confusion, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, fast heartbeat, sweating, tremor, and nausea. Carry a piece of non-dietetic hard candy or glucose tablets with you in case you have low blood sugar.

What is insulin inhalation?

Insulin inhalation is a rapid-acting form of human insulin that is inhaled through the mouth. It works by lowering levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood.

Insulin inhalation is used to treat type 1 (insulin dependent) or type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes in adults.

Insulin inhalation (Exubera) was withdrawn from the U.S. market in 2007 due to lack of consumer demand for the product. No drug safety concerns were cited in this withdrawal.

Insulin inhalation may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.