Exubera Inhaled Insulin

fromDiabetes News and Nuggets

Inhaled insulin has finally arrived.  Well... it did. On January 27, 2006 the F.D.A.approved Exubera for sale in the United States.  Then, in October 2007 Pfizer announced that it would stop selling their inhaled Exubera insulin product, Exubera. The decision was made not based on safety, but rather on poor sales. Still, if you wish to read more, please continue. This original article was first written in 2006.

What is Exubera™ or inhaled insulin?

Exubera is an insulin powder that is inhaled through the mouth using anEXUBERA inhaler - a large inhaler device to emit fine particles of insulin into the lungs. It is a prescription drug used to manage diabetes in adults. Ithas not been approved for use in children under the age of 18 years. (as of Jan,2006). Inhaled insulin has not been testing in pregnant women. It has beendeveloped by Pfizer.

When can I get it?

This inhaled insulin is estimated to be for sale in the United States in Juneor July of 2006. However, you will require a prescription. UPDATE: the product is no longer for sale due to inadequate number of users. Pfizer has removed it from the market.

Does it come in units?

No. The insulin powder comes in "blisters" -  foil dosepackages that are used in the Exubera Inhaler. It comes in 1 mg and 3 mg"blisters". These are not necessarily equal to units. You must workwith your physician and diabetes educator to titrate doses for inhaled insulin.

It is recommended that you DO NOT USE three 1 mg "blisters" inplace of one 3 mg blister. It is possible you may get too much insulin andsuffer hypoglycemia.Speak to your health care professional before using different dose"blisters" of insulin.

Can I stop insulin injections altogether?

Not likely.  Exubera is a fast acting insulin. It is not a basalinsulin. You will still need N, NPH, Lantus (Glargine) or Levemir (Detemir) ifyou are on one of them now.  Foran explanation on basal insulin click here and read  about a  thirdway down. Exubera can be used along with diabetes pills.

What is it's action?

Exubera is a rapid acting insulin. It's duration of action is reported to bethe same as regular insulin or approximately 6 hrs.

Are there precautions? Who shouldn't use Exubera?

• Yes.  It is not recommended for people who smoke or who quit smoking less than 6 months ago. It can cause hypoglycemia in smokers.

• It is not recommended for people with  chronic lung disease eg. asthma, COPD, emphysema or any breathing problems.

•  Exubera may lower your lung function. Lung tests may need to be done before and during your use of Exubera.

• Take Exubera no more than 10 minutes before eating your meal if you are using it to cover food. (or as your health educator recommends).

• Follow your health care providers suggestions for frequency of testing using blood sugar monitors.

How do I get this insulin?

You will need to see your physician to obtain aprescription for Exubera.  You may also need to work  with yourdiabetes health care team to help determine appropriate doses. You will needtraining on the Exubera Inhaler.

References:
1.  FDA
2.  Pfizer's U.S. package insert dated 2006-01-27.

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