Introduction:

Afrezza inhalation Insulin Powder is a fast-acting insulin, unlike conventional insulin, which is directly injected into blood stream afrezza powder is inhaled and directly absorbed into Lung and acts accordingly. Unlike traditional syringe-based insulin, which is administered I.V. Afrezza comes with a small device that is inhaled through the nose, which takes powder directly to the Lungs and acts fast. This innovative drug and delivery system is designed to reduce mealtime glucose spikes.

This Article is based on the latest prescribing information available, providing information on Afrezza, how it will work, who will benefit, dose information, Possible Side Effect & Safety

What is Afrezza Inhalation Powder?

Afrezza Inhalation Powder is a fast acting inhaltion mealtime insulin used to control high Glucose level in adult patients with type 1 diabetes and peadiatric patient over 6 plus age.

How AFREZZA Works??

Afrezza offer a unique delivery system for insulin. The moment insulin powder reaches lung it rapidly increases insulin levels in the bloodstream within minutes .it significatly reduces post meal glucose spike; its effect of reducing glucose level takes around 12 minutes, and peak activity occurs in 35 to 55 Minutes.

What are the Key Benefits of AFREZZA ??

Painless Days Over for the Patient with diabetes.

A Needle-Free Insulin Significantly Reduces Post-Meal Glucose Spike.

Flexible Dosing

Available cartridge strengths include:

• 4 Units
• 8 Units
• 12 Units

Who Can Use Afrezza?

Adults with Type 1 diabetes and children aged 6 years of age and older.

Who Should NOT Use AFREZZA?

Afrezza is contraindicated in patients with Asthma, COPD, Episodes of hypoglycemia, and previous serious hypersensitivity to human insulin or any other Lungs Dieases.

Safety and Side Effects 

Before using Afrezza, Lungs Funtion Test is essential because insulin is to be administered directly into the lungs, so it's good to have lungs Function Test before administration of Afrezza.

How is AFREZZA Taken?

• Administer only using the AFREZZA inhaler.
• Inhale at the beginning of each meal.
• Each cartridge is for single use only.
• More than one cartridge may be needed for larger doses.
• Replace the inhaler after 15 days of use.

Starting Dosage

4 units at the beginning of each meal is the recommended starting dose.

Possible Side Effects

• Hypoglycemia
• Cough
• Throat irritation or pain
• Headache
• Bronchitis
• Pulmonary function decline
• Upper respiratory tract infections

Serious Warnings.

Acute Bronchospasm.

Decline in Lung Function

Severe Hypoglycemia

Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Lung Cancer Consideration

The prescribing information advises clinicians to carefully weigh benefits and risks in patients with active lung cancer, prior lung cancer, or those at increased risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is AFREZZA a replacement for long-acting insulin?

No, Patients with type 1 diabetes continue to use basal Insulin with Afrezza.

Is AFREZZA used for diabetic ketoacidosis?

NO.

How quickly does AFREZZA start working?

Once the drug reaches the lungs, its start acting within 12 Minutes and the peak is achieved in 35 to 55 Minutes.

Conclusion

Afrezza Offer a unique, innovative technology to administer insulin for the patient suffering from pains of needing it every day.

Reviewed By: Sandeep Khandelwal BTech(Biotechnology), LLB, Patent Attorney.