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Insulin by Inhaler
In clinical studies involving adults with both types of diabetes, Exubera controlled blood sugar levels as well as injected insulin. And it reached peak concentrations more quickly. One potential drawback is that dosing may be less precise: It's hard to know exactly how much of the medication is actually absorbed by the lungs. Users must continue to carefully monitor their blood sugar levels.
Another concern is the potential for lung damage. Some study subjects experienced coughing or slightly reduced lung capacity while using Exubera. Pfizer will conduct post-marketing studies to track the long-term effects of Exubera and to examine its risks and benefits in people with lung disease. According to the U.S. and Drug Administration, people with emphysema, bronchitis or asthma should not use Exubera, nor should smokers or those who've quit smoking only within the past six months. The FDA also recommends that tests of lung function be given before starting Exubera, after the first six months of treatment, and yearly thereafter.
How do you take it?
The Exubera inhalation device is somewhat larger than other types of handheld inhalers, such as those used to treat asthma. When open, it extends from the mouth to the middle of the chest. The top portion is a clear chamber with a mouthpiece on top; the bottom holds a packet of powdered insulin. You pump a handle and press a button in the bottom portion to release the insulin into the chamber and breathe in normally through the mouthpiece. When closed, the inhaler is about the size of a standard flashlight.
© 2006. Distributed by Tribune Media Services.
In clinical studies involving adults with both types of diabetes, Exubera controlled blood sugar levels as well as injected insulin. And it reached peak concentrations more quickly. One potential drawback is that dosing may be less precise: It's hard to know exactly how much of the medication is actually absorbed by the lungs. Users must continue to carefully monitor their blood sugar levels.
Another concern is the potential for lung damage. Some study subjects experienced coughing or slightly reduced lung capacity while using Exubera. Pfizer will conduct post-marketing studies to track the long-term effects of Exubera and to examine its risks and benefits in people with lung disease. According to the U.S. and Drug Administration, people with emphysema, bronchitis or asthma should not use Exubera, nor should smokers or those who've quit smoking only within the past six months. The FDA also recommends that tests of lung function be given before starting Exubera, after the first six months of treatment, and yearly thereafter.
How do you take it?
The Exubera inhalation device is somewhat larger than other types of handheld inhalers, such as those used to treat asthma. When open, it extends from the mouth to the middle of the chest. The top portion is a clear chamber with a mouthpiece on top; the bottom holds a packet of powdered insulin. You pump a handle and press a button in the bottom portion to release the insulin into the chamber and breathe in normally through the mouthpiece. When closed, the inhaler is about the size of a standard flashlight.
© 2006. Distributed by Tribune Media Services.
