What is Insulin inhalation?
Insulin works by lowering the levels of sugar in the blood. Insulin inhalation works quickly, starting to work 15 minutes after the inhalation. It reaches its peak in an hour and continues to work for up to four hours.Adults with diabetes mellitus can improve their blood sugar levels by inhaling insulin through the mouth.
You will need to inject long-acting insulin if you have diabetes type 1.In the case of type 2 diabetes, insulin inhalation could be all you need to manage your blood sugar. Your doctor may prescribe long-acting insulin or diabetes medicines that you take orally.This medication guide does not list all possible uses for insulin inhalation.
Side effects of Insulin inhalation
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek emergency medical attention: swelling or redness where you received an insulin injection; itchiness on your skin; a severe rash all over your body; difficulty breathing; rapid heartbeats; excessive sweating; or feeling as if you may pass out.
Insulin can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Bronchospasm is a condition that causes chest pain, difficulty breathing, and wheezing.
- Fluid retention: weight gain, swelling of the hands or feet, or feeling short-breathing;
- Low sodium, leg cramps, constipation, increased thirst and urination, numbness, tingling or numbness, muscle weakness, or a limp feeling
Some of the common side effects associated with insulin include:
- Low blood sugar
- Sore throat.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Warnings
Inhaling insulin can cause serious lung problems. Do not use it if your lung condition is chronic, such as COPD or asthma.
Before you take this drug
This medicine should not be used if your blood sugar is low or you have an episode of hypoglycemia. Insulin inhalation can quickly lead to serious lung complications. This medicine should not be used if:
- Chronic lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive respiratory disease (COPD),
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment).
If you have just recently stopped smoking or if it has been less than 6 months since you quit, do not use the insulin inhalation.A small number of patients developed lung cancer in studies using insulin inhalation. Before and during treatment, your doctor will conduct lung function tests.
Anyone younger than 18 is not allowed to use insulin inhalation.
Tell your doctor about any of the following:
- Asthma, COPD, or other breathing disorders;
- Lung cancer;
- Liver or kidney disease
- If you are using other inhaled medications,
Inform your doctor if, in addition to pioglitazone and rosiglitazone, you are also taking glimepiride (or metformin), which may be combined. Certain oral diabetes medications can increase the risk of heart problems if you use insulin.If you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant, follow your doctor's advice about this medicine.
Breastfeeding may not be possible while taking this medication. You should consult your doctor if you are concerned about any risks.
How to take Insulin inhalation?
Read and follow all instructions or guides that come with your medication.Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. You must take the medication exactly as prescribed.Inhaled insulin at the start of your meal.
Insulin inhalation uses a powder that is contained in a plastic cartridge. The cartridge fits into an inhaler device provided with insulin. Inhaler devices can only hold one cartridge at a time. Each inhaler can be used for 15 days.Each blue cartridge contains 4 units of injectable insulin. Each green cartridge equals 8 units of injectable insulin. You will need more than one cartridge if your dose exceeds 8 units. Use the fewest number of cartridges to achieve your desired dose. If your dose is 12, for example, you can use a 4-unit cartridge plus an 8-unit to equal 12. Use two 8-unit cartridges for a 16-unit dose. Use the dosing guide that comes with the medicine to find out how to combine cartridges for the right dose.
Insulin inhalation carts are packaged inside a blister card made of plastic, which is then sealed in a foil package. Each foil package should be stored in the refrigerator. A foil package not refrigerated that hasn't been opened must be used in 10 days.Open the foil package. Remove only the cartridges you need for your dose. Place the remainder of the blister back in the foil package. Return it to the fridge. Let the cartridges for your dose sit at room temperature for a minimum of 10 minutes before you use them.After opening a foil package, you can store it at any temperature. You must use all cartridges within three days after tearing the blister card.
You will need to check your blood sugar often. It is possible that you will need lung function tests every six to twelve months.If you have hypoglycemia, you may feel agitated, confused, anxious, or shaken. If you want to treat hypoglycemia quickly, consume or drink something that will provide sugar fast (fruit juices, hard candies, crackers, or raisins).
In the event of severe hypoglycemia, your doctor may prescribe a glucagon injectable kit. Make sure that your family and friends are familiar with how to administer this injection in case of an emergency.Watch for signs of hyperglycemia (hyperglycemia), such as increased thirst and urination.Stress, illness, surgery, or alcohol consumption can affect blood sugar levels. Consult your doctor before changing the dose or schedule of your medication.
Insulin is just one part of the treatment plan that could also include diet and exercise, weight management, regular blood glucose testing, and special medical care. You should follow your doctor's advice.Wear or carry a medical ID to alert others that you have diabetes.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Use the medicine immediately if you forget. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical attention. An insulin overdose can lead to life-threatening hypoglycemia. The symptoms include drowsiness and confusion.
What should be avoided?
Smoking is not allowed while using insulin inhalation. You will need to switch to another type of insulin if you begin smoking.
Low blood sugar can be caused by insulin. Do not drive or operate machinery until you have a better understanding of how insulin affects you.Avoid taking alcohol-containing medicines or alcohol-containing drinks.
Interaction with other drug
Other medicines can also affect your blood glucose, and some can increase or decrease insulin's effects. You may also experience fewer hypoglycemia symptoms if you take certain drugs, making it more difficult to detect low blood sugar. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines you are taking and those you plan to take. You can include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
