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.