Afrezza

Fast-Acting Inhaled Insulin

Abstract

• Afrezza (insulin human) is a newly approved fast-acting inhaled insulin. It can be used in treating type 1 diabetes when added to a long-acting insulin; in studies, patients with type 2 diabetes used it in combination with oral antidiabetic therapy. Afrezza will be available in 2015.
• Afrezza is taken before meals using a small, specially designed inhaler.
• Patients should be carefully assessed for lung disease prior to starting Afrezza therapy. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma are contraindications to use. Lung function can deteriorate after therapy begins.