What is Exubera?
In 2007, the U.S. market for insulin inhalation was removed due to a lack of demand. This withdrawal was not based on any drug safety concerns.Exubera, a form of rapid-acting human insulin inhaled by mouth, is available as a nasal spray. It lowers the levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood.Adults with type 1 (insulin-dependent) or type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes can be treated by Exubera.
Side effects of Exubera
Exubera is most commonly associated with hypoglycemia. Low blood sugar symptoms include headaches, confusion, drowsiness, and weakness. Other signs are sweating, nausea, tremors, and a fast heartbeat. If you suspect low blood sugar, carry glucose tablets or a hard candy that is not dietetic with you.If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek emergency medical attention: rash, itching, hives, or wheezing; rapid heartbeat; sweating; feeling light-headed; or fainting.Other side effects that are less serious are more likely, including:
- Cough, sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nasal
- Dry mouth
- Ear pain.
Other side effects may occur. Speak to your doctor if you experience any unusual side effects or if they are particularly bothersome.
Warnings
Exubera should not be used if you are a smoker or have quit recently (within the last 6 months). You will need to switch to another type of insulin if you begin smoking while taking Exubera.Tell your doctor before using Exubera if you suffer from kidney or liver disease or lung disorders like asthma or COPD.Exubera is not recommended if your lung disease cannot be controlled by medication or other treatment.Exubera's ability to lower glucose can be affected by many other drugs. You must tell your doctor about all prescription and non-prescription medications that you take. Included in this are vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, as well as drugs prescribed by doctors. Never start a new medication before consulting your doctor.Your dosage may need to change if you make any changes to the type, brand, or strength of insulin that you use. Check your medication when you receive a refill to ensure that it's the brand and type prescribed by your physician. If you have questions about the medicine you received at the pharmacy, ask the pharmacist.Use Exubera no longer than 10 minutes prior to eating your meal if you are using it as mealtime insulin.
Exubera may be part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes diet, exercise, and weight management, as well as testing for blood sugar. Be sure to follow your diet, medications, and exercise regimens closely. Any of these factors could affect your blood glucose levels.Keep your blood sugar levels from becoming too low. This can lead to hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia can cause headaches, confusion, drowsiness, and weakness. It may also lead to dizziness and a fast heartbeat. If you feel that your blood sugar is low, carry a glucose tablet or a hard candy.
Similar/related drugs
Ozempic, Mounjaro, Metformin, Trulicity, Lantus, Victoza, and Tresiba
Before you take this drug
Tell your doctor before using Exubera if you suffer from kidney or liver disease or lung disorders like asthma or COPD.Exubera should not be used if your lung disease is not well controlled with medications or other treatments.Exubera should be used in conjunction with another long-acting insulin if you have diabetes type 1.You may only use this medication if you have type 2 diabetes, but your doctor may prescribe other long-acting diabetes or insulin medicines that you take orally.Exubera may be part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes diet, exercise, and weight management, as well as testing for blood sugar. Be sure to follow your diet, medications, and exercise regimens closely. Any of these factors could affect your blood glucose levels.Your dosage may need to change if you make any changes to the type, brand, strength, or type of insulin that you use. Check your medication when you receive a refill to ensure that it's the brand and type prescribed by your physician. If you have questions about the medicine you received at the pharmacy, ask the pharmacist.Exubera is in FDA pregnancy category C. Exuberance can be harmful to a developing baby. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant while on treatment. Exubera may pass into breast milk and harm nursing babies. Exubera should not be used without consulting your doctor if you're breastfeeding a child.
How to take Exubera?
Exubera should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Use Exubera only at the recommended dose.Exubera is a drug that your doctor may change the dose of from time to time in order to get you the best results.Use Exubera no longer than 10 minutes prior to eating your meal if you are using it as mealtime insulin.Your lung function must be regularly tested to ensure that Exubera does not cause certain side effects. You should not miss your scheduled doctor's appointments.Exubera can be used if you are suffering from upper respiratory symptoms such as a sore throat or a cough. Check your blood glucose carefully when you are stressed or ill, as this can affect your glucose level.Exubera comes in "dose blisters", which are cards packaged in a transparent plastic tray. The tray is enclosed in a foil pouch containing a packet of moisture-absorbing preservative. The blisters for 1 milligram (mg) are printed in green. The 3-mg blisters are provided on a blue-ink card.
Exubera powder comes in 1-milligram blisters that are equivalent to 3 units of injectable insulin. Each 3-milligram blister is equivalent to 8 units of injectable insulin. Three 1-mg blisters do not equal the same amount as one 3-mg blister. If you use three 1-mg blisters, you may get too much insulin. This could lead to hypoglycemia.Use the fewest number of blisters you can to combine 1-mg and 3-mg dose blisters in order to obtain your correct insulin dose. If your dose is 4mg, for example, you can use two blisters, one 1-mg and one 3-mg. Use only four 1-mg tablets, or you could receive too much Exubera.Exubera comes with an inhaler that includes a base unit, a chamber, and a release device. Release units can be used up to two weeks before they need replacing. The inhaler can be used for up to a year.Keep the medication away from heat and moisture. Avoid freezing or refrigeration. Always protect the medicine against moisture and humidity. Store the medicine away from the bathroom where you take a shower.Keep the blisters that are not used in the foil pouch. Use them within three months of opening the pouch. The moisture-absorbing packet of preservative should be kept in the foil packet. Do not remove the packet from the pouch or open it.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as you recall, take the medication.If the missed dose falls near to its next scheduled time of administration, take no action.You should not take extra medicine to compensate for a missed dose.Use the insulin as soon as you remember. Wait 10 minutes before you eat.
What happens if I overdose?
If you suspect that you may have taken too much medicine, seek immediate medical attention.Exubera can cause the same symptoms as low blood sugar, including confusion, drowsiness, and weakness. Other symptoms include sweating, tremors, nausea, and a fast heartbeat.
What should be avoided?
Exubera should not be smoked while taking it. If you have smoked in the last 6 months, this medication is not for you. You will need to switch to another type of insulin if you smoke while taking Exubera.Avoid letting blood sugar levels fall too low. This can lead to hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia can cause headaches, confusion, drowsiness, and weakness. It may also lead to dizziness and nausea. If you feel that your blood sugar is low, carry a glucose tablet or a hard candy.
Interaction with other drug
Exubera's ability to lower glucose can be affected by many other drugs. You must tell your doctor about all prescription and non-prescription medications that you take. Included in this are vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, as well as drugs prescribed by doctors. Never start a new medication before consulting your doctor.Exubera should be used before any other inhaled medication.
