Afrezza

(insulin)

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Controls mealtime blood sugar.

Skip Upsides & Downsides section. Skip to side effects section.

Our bottom line

Afrezza (insulin) is effective at controlling blood sugar, but you can't use it if you've had lung problems or smoke.

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Quick facts about Afrezza
  • Drug class: Endocrine
  • Rx status: Prescription only
  • Generic status: No lower cost generic available

Upsides

  • Afrezza (insulin) is as effective as other mealtime insulin products.
  • Starts working faster and stays in your body for a shorter time than other mealtime insulin products, so you're less likely to have severely low blood sugar.
  • If you don't like needles, Afrezza (insulin) is a good alternative since you inhale it.
  • Safe to use in people 65 or older.
  • Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to lower your copay, such as coupons.
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What to expect from Afrezza, on one page

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Downsides

  • Not recommended if you're a smoker or if you've smoked in the last 6 months.
  • Afrezza (insulin) only comes in 3 different strengths, so it can be inconvenient if you need a lot of insulin.
  • Not recommended in children under 18.
  • If you're pregnant, you'll need to talk to your doctor before you start Afrezza (insulin).
  • There is no generic available, and may not be covered right away by Medicare or other insurances.
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Get our free fact sheet

What to expect from Afrezza, on one page

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How it works

Afrezza (insulin) is an insulin that controls your blood sugar by turning the sugars you eat into energy or storing it in your body for future use.

Quick facts about Afrezza
  • Drug class: Endocrine
  • Rx status: Prescription only
  • Generic status: No lower cost generic available

Used for

Dosage forms

  • Inhalation powder
Tried Afrezza? Write a review!

Prices and coupons

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What to expect when you take Afrezza (insulin) for Controls blood sugar levels

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  • First few hoursHours
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  • Effectiveness
  • Full effects
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  • Possible side effects
  • Cough
  • Throat irritation
  • Headache
  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue
  • Low blood sugar
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Side effect rates for Afrezza (insulin)

From 1026 clinical trials of Afrezza when taken for type 1 diabetes
  • Cough
    28%28%
  • Throat pain or irritation
    6%6%
  • Headache
    5%5%
  • Worsening lung function test
    3%3%
  • Airway inflammation
    3%3%
  • Urinary tract infection
    2%2%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Where we got our data »

The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Afrezza.

Afrezza (insulin)
Placebo

People taking Afrezza felt side effect more

People taking Afrezza felt side effect less

No difference

Risks and Warnings for Afrezza (insulin)

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    • Higher risk if:
    • › Changes in diet and exercise
    • › Drinking alcohol
    • › Taking other medications for diabetes
    • › Over age 65
    • › Liver or kidney problems

Means that some groups have a high risk of experiencing this side effect

Common concerns from people taking Afrezza (insulin)

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Alcohol
  • Avoid drinking alcohol or using over-the-counter medications that contain alcohol while on Afrezza (insulin).
Food
  • You should inhale Afrezza (insulin) at the beginning of a meal.
  • Afrezza (insulin) is as effective as other mealtime insulin products.