Inhaled
insulin (
Exubera®) is a prescription medication licensed to treat both type 1 and
type 2 diabetes in adults. Unlike other forms of insulin, which need to be injected, inhaled insulin is inhaled into the lungs through the mouth. This is a short-acting (rapid-acting) insulin that is used before meals. Inhaled insulin will not replace long-acting insulin.
Note: In October 2007, Pfizer announced it will stop making inhaled insulin. This decision was voluntary and was not based on any safety concern; Pfizer states that their inhaled insulin product (Exubera) has not met its expectations in terms of sales. Starting in October 2007, it will be available for an additional three months, which will give people enough time to change from inhaled insulin to another type of insulin or other diabetes medication.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with inhaled insulin. However, not everyone who takes it will have problems. In fact, most people tolerate the medication quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can be easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
The most common side effects of inhaled insulin include:
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) (see Exubera and Blood Sugar)
- Respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold
- Coughing
- Runny or irritated nose
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
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