Precautions and Warnings With Inhaled Insulin

It's important to be aware of precautions and warnings with inhaled insulin prior to treatment, such as the risk of low blood sugar and the danger of taking the medication if you have lung problems. You should not take it if you smoke or have certain allergies. Precautions and warnings with inhaled insulin also extend to people who have liver or kidney disease and women who are nursing.

Inhaled Insulin (Exubera)

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.

Inhaled Insulin: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking inhaled insulin (Exubera^®) if you have:

Smoked within the past six months
Lung problems, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or emphysema
Kidney problems, including kidney failure (renal failure)
Liver problems, including liver failure or cirrhosis
Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.

Also let your healthcare provider know if you are:

Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
Breastfeeding.

In addition, tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

(Precautions and Warnings With Inhaled Insulin Continued: Page 2)