Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Inhaled insulin human is used with Afrezza® inhaler that comes with a Medication Guide and patient instructions. Read the directions carefully before using this medicine. If you do not understand the directions or you are not sure how to use the inhaler, ask your doctor to show you what to do. Also, ask your doctor to check regularly how you use the inhaler to make sure you are using it properly.

Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. Also, do not stop using this medicine without telling your doctor. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

This medicine is available in 3 strengths: 4 unit (blue cartridge), 8 unit (green cartridge), and 12-unit (yellow cartridge) single use cartridges.

Afrezza® is a mealtime insulin. It should be taken at the beginning of a meal.

Follow carefully the special meal plan your doctor gave you. This is the most important part of controlling your condition, and is necessary if the medicine is to work properly. Also, exercise regularly and test for sugar in your blood or urine as directed.

In order for this medicine to help treat diabetes, it must be used every day in regularly spaced doses and be used at the same time each day, as ordered by your doctor.

To use the inhaler:

  • Use the dosage chart to determine the least number of cartridges you can use for your dose.
  • Remove a blister card from the foil package. Tear along the perforation to remove one strip.
  • Push the cartridge out from the strip. Remove the right number of cartridges for your dose.
  • Allow the cartridge to be at room temperature for 10 minutes before use.
  • Use only 1 inhaler at a time. The same inhaler should be used for the 4 unit, 8 unit, or 12 unit cartridges.
  • Hold the inhaler in one hand with the white mouthpiece on the top and the purple base on the bottom.
  • Open the inhaler and place the cartridge into the inhaler. Make sure that the cartridge lies flat in the inhaler.
  • Keep the inhaler level and white mouthpiece on top and purple base on the bottom after a cartridge has been inserted into the inhaler. Do not turn the inhaler upside down, held with the mouthpiece pointing down, shaken or dropped after the cartridge has been inserted. If these occur, throw away the cartridge and load a new one.
  • Remove the mouthpiece cover and then breathe out fully, trying to get as much air out of the lungs as possible.
  • Put the mouthpiece fully into your mouth and close your lips around it. Tilt the inhaler downward while keeping your head level.
  • Inhale deeply through the inhaler and hold your breath for as long as comfortable and slowly remove the inhaler from your mouth.
  • Replace the mouthpiece cover and remove and throw away the used cartridge.
  • If your prescribed dose is more than 8 units, you will need to use more than 1 cartridge and repeat the same steps above.
  • Wipe the inhaler with a clean, dry cloth. Do not wash the inhaler and keep it dry.
  • Do not put cartridges in your mouth and do not swallow cartridges.
  • Throw away the inhaler after 15 days and get a new one.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For inhalation dosage form (aerosol powder):
    • For diabetes:
      • Adults—
        • Patients who are not receiving insulin: At first, 4 units (one puff) at each meal. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
        • Patients receiving mealtime (prandial) insulin injection: Your mealtime dose is determined by converting your injected dose to the number of 4, 8, or 12 unit cartridges needed. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
        • Patients receiving pre-mixed insulin injection: Your mealtime dose is determined by dividing half of the total daily injected pre-mixed insulin dose equally among the 3 meals of the day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store sealed and unopened foil package in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. If it is stored at room temperature, the cartridges must be used within 10 days.

Store sealed or unopened blister cards or strips at room temperature and must be used with 10 days. The opened strips are stored at room temperature and must be used within 3 days. Do not put a blister card or strip back into the refrigerator after being stored at room temperature.

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Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

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