WARNING

Insulin is commonly used to manage diabetes, particularly for individuals with type 1 diabetes who cannot produce insulin naturally and some with type 2 diabetes who may require insulin supplementation. While insulin is generally safe and effective when used as prescribed, there are some risks and side effects to be aware of. These may include:

• Hypoglycemia: Insulin can cause low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) if the dosage is too high or if it is not balanced with food intake or exercise. Symptoms of hypoglycemia may include sweating, shakiness, dizziness, confusion, and, in severe cases, loss of consciousness.
• Allergic reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to insulin, although this is relatively rare. Symptoms can range from mild skin reactions at the injection site to more severe reactions, including difficulty breathing or swallowing.
• Weight gain: Insulin can lead to weight gain, primarily due to its ability to promote glucose uptake by cells and store excess calories as fat. This can be a concern for some individuals, particularly those with type 2 diabetes who may already be overweight.
• Injection site reactions: Insulin injections can sometimes cause local skin reactions, such as redness, itching, or swelling at the injection site. These reactions are typically mild and transient.
• Lipodystrophy: Prolonged use of insulin at the same injection site can result in lipodystrophy, which is the loss of fat or the development of fatty lumps at the injection site. Rotating injection sites can help minimize this risk.
• Other potential side effects: Some people may experience additional side effects such as nausea, vomiting, headache, or changes in the fatty tissue under the skin.

It’s important to note that the risks and side effects of insulin therapy can vary from person to person. It’s crucial to work closely with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized guidance, monitor your blood sugar levels, and help you manage any potential risks or side effects. If you have specific concerns about a particular medication or inhalation form of insulin, it would be best to consult with a healthcare provider who can provide the most up-to-date information and address your questions directly.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels in the body. It is primarily prescribed to individuals with diabetes, a condition characterized by insufficient insulin production or impaired insulin function. Insulin therapy is used to manage both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Here are some common reasons why insulin may be prescribed:

• Type 1 diabetes: People with type 1 diabetes have little to no insulin production in their bodies. They require insulin therapy to survive and typically use multiple daily injections or an insulin pump to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
• Type 2 diabetes: Insulin may be prescribed for people with type 2 diabetes when other medications, such as oral antidiabetic drugs, fail to adequately control blood sugar levels. It is often used in combination with other diabetes medications to help regulate glucose levels.
• Gestational diabetes: Some pregnant women develop a temporary form of diabetes called gestational diabetes. Insulin may be prescribed to manage blood sugar levels during pregnancy when diet and exercise alone are not sufficient.
• Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA): DKA is a severe complication of diabetes characterized by high blood sugar levels, ketone production, and acidosis. Insulin is the primary treatment for DKA to lower blood sugar levels and reverse the metabolic imbalance.
• Hyperkalemia: In some cases, insulin may be prescribed to treat hyperkalemia, a condition characterized by high levels of potassium in the blood. Insulin helps lower potassium levels by driving it into cells, thereby reducing the concentration in the bloodstream.

How should this medicine be used?

An exclusive inhaler is used to inhale the powder form of insulin. Typically, it is consumed at the start of every meal. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any instructions on your prescription label that you do not understand, and carefully follow their instructions. As indicated, use insulin inhalation. Use only as directed by your doctor, neither more nor less of it, nor more frequently.

Diabetes cannot be cured by insulin inhalation, although it can be managed. Despite feeling fine, keep using insulin inhalation. Without first consulting your doctor, never discontinue using insulin inhalation. Without consulting your doctor, don’t change your insulin type.

Read the included written instructions before using your insulin oral inhaler for the first time. Make sure you can identify every component of the inhaler by paying close attention to the diagrams. Request instructions on using it from your physician or pharmacist. If you have any questions regarding how to inhale this drug, be sure to ask your pharmacist or doctor.

A single-use cartridge is available for insulin inhalation powder. Only the prescription-only inhaler should be used with the cartridges. Without the inhaler that comes with your prescription, do not attempt to open the cartridge, swallow the cartridge, or inhale the contents.

Remove the inhaler’s cartridge(s) from the fridge and let them remain at room temperature for 10 minutes before inserting them.

Keep the inhaler level with the white mouthpiece on top and the purple base at the bottom once you’ve put a cartridge into it. You risk losing medication if the mouthpiece is pointing downward, the inhaler is disturbed or dropped, or the inhaler is handled upside down. In this case, before using the inhaler, you must swap the cartridge for a fresh one.

You should use the recommended number of insulin inhalation cartridges each day as directed by your doctor. Your doctor might need to change the dosages of your other diabetic drugs, such as long-acting insulin and oral diabetes medications, if you start using insulin inhalation. During your therapy, your doctor might also need to change the dosage of insulin you inhale. If you have any questions, see your doctor before according to these instructions. Without consulting your doctor, never alter the dosage of insulin inhalation or any other diabetes medicine.

Other uses for this medicine

There may have been new developments or potential off-label uses for Insulin Human Inhalation since then. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional or refer to the latest medical literature and regulatory guidelines for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

What special precautions should I follow?

• Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you have any allergies to any medications, including insulin (Apidra, Humulin, Lantus, Levemir, Novolog, and others), as well as any inactive chemicals in insulin inhalation. For a list of the ingredients, consult your pharmacist or the Medication Guide.
• Inform your doctor and pharmacist about any vitamins, nutritional supplements, herbal items, and prescription and over-the-counter medicines you are now taking or intend to take. If you are taking any other inhaled medications, make sure your doctor and pharmacist are aware of it. Your doctor might need to adjust your medication doses or keep a close eye out for any negative side effects.
• Aspirin and other over-the-counter medicines and herbal supplements may interfere with the inhalation of insulin. Before beginning to use insulin inhalation, be sure to inform your doctor and pharmacist that you are taking this medication. Without consulting your doctor, do not begin taking this drug while inhaling insulin.
• If you experience hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), let your doctor know. If you have this issue, your doctor probably won’t recommend that you use insulin inhalation.
• Infections, smoking, and quitting smoking within the last six months should all be disclosed to your doctor. Additionally, let your doctor know if you now or ever had renal or liver illness, lung cancer, diabetes-related nerve damage, low potassium levels in your blood, heart failure, or kidney or liver disease.
• If you are breastfeeding a child or intend to become pregnant, let your doctor know. Contact your physician right away if you become pregnant while using insulin inhalation.
• In order to avoid complications during surgery, especially dental surgery, let the surgeon and dentist know that you use an inhaler for insulin.
• Find out how frequently you should check your blood sugar by asking your doctor. Be mindful that low blood sugar can impair your ability to do activities like driving, and ask your doctor if you should check your blood sugar before operating machinery or driving.
• Blood sugar levels may alter as a result of alcohol. When using insulin inhalation, consult your doctor about whether drinking alcohol is safe.
• If you experience any of the following: sickness, weight gain or loss, unexpected stress, plans to travel between time zones, or changes to your exercise or activity regimen, consult your doctor for advice. Your insulin dosage and schedule may change as a result of these modifications.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Don’t forget to abide by your doctor’s or dietitian’s advice regarding diet and exercise. Eating a balanced diet and eating the same foods in the same amounts and at the same times each day are key. Your blood sugar management may suffer if you skip or delay meals, change the quantity or type of food you eat, or any of these things.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget a dose of any medication, it’s generally recommended to take it as soon as you remember. However, it’s important to follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider or included with the medication. If you have any concerns or questions about missed doses, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional or pharmacist for guidance. They can provide you with the most appropriate advice based on your individual circumstances.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Common side effects of injectable insulin may include:

• Hypoglycemia: Insulin therapy can lower blood sugar levels, and if too much insulin is administered or if there is inadequate carbohydrate intake, it can lead to low blood sugar levels, known as hypoglycemia. Symptoms may include shakiness, sweating, dizziness, confusion, headache, blurred vision, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness or seizures.
• Injection site reactions: Some individuals may experience redness, swelling, itching, or discomfort at the site of insulin injection.
• Weight gain: Insulin therapy can potentially lead to weight gain due to its anabolic effects on the body.
• Hypokalemia: In rare cases, insulin therapy may cause low potassium levels in the blood, known as hypokalemia. Symptoms may include muscle weakness, fatigue, and irregular heart rhythms.
• Allergic reactions: Although uncommon, some individuals may develop allergic reactions to insulin, which can manifest as skin rash, itching, shortness of breath, or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.

It is important to note that this list is not exhaustive, and other side effects may occur. The specific side effects and their severity can vary depending on the individual, the type of insulin used, and other factors. It is crucial to discuss any concerns or potential side effects with a healthcare provider before starting or making changes to your insulin therapy.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

• Storage: Insulin should be stored according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Most insulins should be refrigerated between 36°F and 46°F (2°C to 8°C) but should not be frozen. Insulin vials or pens that are currently in use can be kept at room temperature (between 59°F and 86°F or 15°C and 30°C) for a specified duration, typically ranging from 28 to 42 days. It is essential to check the product labeling or consult your healthcare provider for specific storage instructions for the particular insulin you are using.
• Disposal: Insulin should be discarded properly. Empty insulin vials or used pens should be disposed of in accordance with local regulations for medical waste disposal. Needles or syringes should be placed in a sharps container to ensure safe disposal and prevent accidental injuries. It’s important to follow local guidelines and regulations regarding the proper disposal of medical waste in your area.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of emergency or overdose, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Contact your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room. It’s also helpful to inform the medical professionals about the specific insulin product and dosage that was taken.

What other information should I know?

To ascertain how you react to inhaled insulin, you should routinely check your blood sugar and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Your physician will also instruct you on how to measure the sugar levels in your blood or urine at home in order to monitor your response to insulin. Observe these guidelines closely.

Never allow someone else to use your medication. If you have any queries regarding getting a prescription renewed, ask your pharmacist.

You should keep a written record of every drug you take, including prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medications, vitamins, minerals, and other dietary supplements. Every time you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital, you should carry this list with you. Additionally, it is crucial to have this knowledge on hand in case of emergency.

Remember, it is important to consult a healthcare professional or pharmacist for specific instructions and advice regarding the use, storage, disposal, and potential side effects or interactions of Insulin Human Inhalation.