Comprehensive medication guide to {drug} including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Afrezza (insulin human) Inhalation Powder is the only FDA-approved ultra rapid-acting inhaled insulin for adults with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Unlike traditional injectable insulins, Afrezza is breathed in through the mouth using a small, whistle-sized inhaler at the beginning of a meal. It uses MannKind's proprietary Technosphere technology to deliver insulin directly to the lungs, where it is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. Afrezza was FDA-approved in 2014 and is manufactured by MannKind Corporation.
Afrezza is used as a mealtime (prandial) insulin to control blood sugar spikes after eating. For Type 1 diabetes patients, it must be used in combination with a long-acting basal insulin. It is not a substitute for long-acting insulin and should not be used to treat diabetic ketoacidosis.
Afrezza delivers recombinant human insulin via inhalation using Technosphere microparticles. When inhaled, the powder reaches the deep lung, where the large surface area allows rapid absorption into the bloodstream. Insulin begins working within 12–15 minutes of inhalation — faster than most subcutaneous rapid-acting insulin analogs — and peaks at approximately 35–55 minutes. The insulin then helps cells absorb glucose from the blood, lowering post-meal blood sugar levels. Because of its ultra-rapid onset and short duration of action (approximately 1.5–3 hours), Afrezza closely mimics the body's natural first-phase insulin response to food.
Afrezza comes as a dry powder in color-coded single-use cartridges used with the Afrezza inhaler. Doses can be combined (e.g., one 4-unit + one 8-unit cartridge = 12 units) to achieve the prescribed dose. The inhaler device is included with each prescription and should be replaced every 15 days.
Afrezza is a niche, brand-only inhaled insulin made by MannKind Corporation. Because it's a specialty product with a unique delivery method, many pharmacies do not keep it on their shelves. You may need to give your pharmacy at least 48 hours to order it. Afrezza is not currently on the FDA drug shortage list, but availability can be inconsistent at retail pharmacies due to low demand relative to injectable insulins. Specialty pharmacies and mail-order services tend to be more reliable sources. Using Medfinder can help you quickly locate pharmacies that have Afrezza in stock near you.
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Afrezza requires a prescription and can be prescribed by:
Because Afrezza carries a boxed warning about bronchospasm risk, prescribers must assess the patient's lung function with spirometry before starting therapy and periodically thereafter. Patients with chronic lung diseases such as asthma or COPD cannot use Afrezza.
No. Afrezza is not a controlled substance. It is a prescription medication but does not have any DEA scheduling. However, it does carry an FDA boxed warning (the most serious type of warning) regarding the risk of acute bronchospasm in patients with chronic lung disease such as asthma or COPD. A Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program requires that prescribers and pharmacies are certified before dispensing Afrezza.
Serious side effects include acute bronchospasm (especially dangerous for patients with asthma or COPD), severe hypoglycemia, hypokalemia, and allergic reactions. Afrezza is contraindicated in patients with chronic lung disease. Patients who smoke or recently quit smoking should discuss risks with their doctor.
There is no generic version of Afrezza, and it is the only inhaled insulin available. If Afrezza isn't right for you, your doctor may consider these injectable rapid-acting mealtime insulins:
For patients who want to avoid injections entirely, Afrezza is currently the only non-injectable mealtime insulin option. Talk to your doctor about which insulin is best suited for your diabetes management plan.
Like all insulins, Afrezza's blood sugar-lowering effects can be increased or decreased by other medications:
Always inform your doctor and pharmacist of all medications, supplements, and herbal products you take before starting Afrezza.
Afrezza offers a unique needle-free option for mealtime insulin dosing that many patients find more convenient and discreet than injections. Its ultra-rapid onset closely mimics the body's natural insulin response, which can help reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes. However, it's a brand-only specialty medication that can be expensive without insurance or savings programs, and not every pharmacy keeps it in stock.
The good news: MannKind's direct purchase program offers Afrezza for as low as $99/month for cash-paying patients, and the manufacturer savings card can reduce copays to $35 for commercially insured patients. If you're having trouble locating Afrezza at your local pharmacy, Medfinder can help you find pharmacies with it in stock near you. Give your pharmacy at least 48 hours to order it if it's not on the shelf, and consider specialty or mail-order pharmacies for more consistent availability.
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