Sign Up
We are here to help you get your questions answered. If you can’t find the answer you are looking for here, contact AfrezzaAssist℠ for help.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
ABOUT AFREZZA®
WHAT IS AFREZZA®?
Afrezza® is a man-made insulin that is breathed in through your lungs (inhaled) and is used to control high blood sugar in adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Afrezza® is not for use in place of basal insulin. Afrezza® must be used with basal insulin in people who have type 1 diabetes mellitus. Afrezza® is not for use to treat diabetic ketoacidosis. Afrezza® is not for use in people with chronic lung disease such as asthma and COPD. It is not known if Afrezza® is safe and effective for use in people who smoke. Afrezza® is not for use in people who smoke or have recently stopped smoking (less than 6 months). It is not known if Afrezza® is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age.
HOW DOES AFREZZA® WORK?
Afrezza® is inhaled at the beginning of a meal. After you inhale Afrezza®, the insulin passes quickly through your lungs and into your bloodstream, where it begins reducing blood sugars.
WHAT DOES FAST IN, FAST OUT MEAN?
Afrezza® is most active between 35–45 minutes and stops lowering blood glucose after 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the dose.* Check with your healthcare provider on how frequently he or she wants you to monitor your blood sugar. You may need to take an additional dose of Afrezza® to achieve your optimal blood sugar control.
*For the 4-unit and 12-unit cartridges, respectively.
HOW IS AFREZZA® DIFFERENT FROM OTHER INSULINS?
Afrezza® is unique because it is the only ultra rapid-acting inhaled insulin available. It starts working quickly without the need for injections at mealtime. Once you breathe Afrezza® into your lungs using the inhaler, insulin appears in your bloodstream in less than 1 minute and it starts controlling blood sugar in about 12 minutes. Afrezza® stops lowering blood glucose after 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the dose.*
*for the 4-unit and 12-unit cartridges, respectively.
WILL AFREZZA® REPLACE MY CURRENT BASAL INSULIN?
If you have type 1 diabetes, you will still need to take a basal insulin for your basal needs depending on what you and your healthcare provider decide. Your healthcare provider may prescribe Afrezza® to treat mealtime spikes in blood sugar. If you are living with type 2 diabetes, your healthcare provider may consider adjustments to your other diabetes medications if they prescribe Afrezza®.
CAN I TAKE AFREZZA® WITH DIABETES PILLS?
Afrezza® can be taken with oral diabetes medicines. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines and supplements you are taking because they can affect the way your insulin works.
IS AFREZZA® RIGHT FOR ME?
Afrezza® is an ultra rapid-acting inhaled insulin used to control blood sugar in adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. It is not for people with certain types of lung disease (such as asthma or COPD) or who smoke. Do not use Afrezza® if you are allergic to regular human insulin or any of the ingredients in Afrezza®. Afrezza® is not for children under 18 years of age. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine if Afrezza® is right for you.
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON SIDE EFFECTS OF AFREZZA®?
The most common side effects of Afrezza® include low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), cough, and sore throat or throat irritation.
COULD AFREZZA® AFFECT MY LUNGS?
Before starting Afrezza®, your healthcare provider will give you a breathing test to check how your lungs are working. Your healthcare provider may test again at 6 months and once a year after that. Afrezza® can cause serious side effects, including sudden lung problems (bronchospasms). Do not use Afrezza® if you have long-term (chronic) lung problems such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
TALKING TO A DOCTOR
CAN I TALK TO A DOCTOR ONLINE ABOUT AFREZZA?
Yes. Upscript*, a telemedicine platform, lets you talk to a healthcare provider to see if Afrezza® is right for you, from the comfort of your home. Start your journey today.
WHERE CAN I GET AFREZZA®?
You can get Afrezza® from any pharmacy. However, some pharmacies may not keep Afrezza® in stock and will need to order it. Once ordered, it will usually arrive at the pharmacy within 1–2 days.
MY PHARMACY CAN’T ORDER AFREZZA®. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Contact AfrezzaAssist℠ to speak with one of our Patient Support Guides:
HOURS
MONDAY-FRIDAY, 8 AM-8 PM ET
WHERE CAN I FIND A LOCAL HEALTHCARE PROVIDER WHO PRESCRIBES AFREZZA®?
Use our Find a Doctor Tool here.
IS AFREZZA® COVERED BY COMMERCIAL INSURANCE?
Nationally, over 70% of patients covered by commercial insurance have access to Afrezza®, but everyone’s coverage is different. The best way to know if your plan covers Afrezza® is to call your insurance provider or contact one of our Patient Support Guides and they can help you understand your insurance coverage:
PHONE (TOLL FREE)
1-844-323-7399
HOURS
MONDAY-FRIDAY, 8 AM-8 PM ET
IS AFREZZA® COVERED BY FEDERAL INSURANCE PROGRAMS (MEDICARE, MEDICAID, TRICARE)?
Every federally insured patient’s coverage is different. The best way to know your individual options is by calling your insurance provider or one of our Patient Support Guides. MannKind is committed to helping patients access Afrezza®. For more information, contact AfrezzaAssist℠:
PHONE (TOLL FREE)
1-844-323-7399
HOURS
MONDAY-FRIDAY, 8 AM-8 PM ET
WHO CAN I TALK TO IF I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT INSURANCE?
Contact AfrezzaAssist℠ to speak to one of our Patient Support Guides:
PHONE (TOLL FREE)
1-844-323-7399
HOURS
MONDAY-FRIDAY, 8 AM-8 PM ET
PAYING FOR AFREZZA®
DOES MANNKIND OFFER PROGRAMS TO HELP LOWER THE COST OF MY TREATMENT?
If you have commercial insurance, you may be eligible for the Afrezza® Savings Card Program and pay as little as $35 per month for your prescription. Eligibility criteria and program limits apply. If your insurance doesn’t cover Afrezza®, solutions may exist to help offset the cost. Contact AfrezzaAssist℠ for more information:
HOURS
MONDAY-FRIDAY, 8 AM-8 PM ET
HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR THE SAVINGS CARD?
Visit www.afrezzasavingscard.com to enroll and download your card.
WHAT DO I DO IF MY SAVINGS CARD DOESN’T WORK?
Contact AfrezzaAssist℠ to speak to one of our Patient Support Guides:
HOURS
MONDAY-FRIDAY, 8 AM-8 PM ET
TAKING AFREZZA®
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I DEVELOP A COUGH WHILE TAKING AFREZZA®?
Since Afrezza® is an inhaled powder, it is not uncommon to experience a cough at the beginning of your treatment. It is important to take Afrezza at room temperature. Having a sip of water before and after inhalation may also help. In the clinical studies, coughs were mild and typically declined with continued use after 1-4 weeks. If you develop a persistent or recurring cough, or have breathing difficulties while using Afrezza®, contact your healthcare provider.
I SEE A CLOUD WHEN I EXHALE. DOES THIS MEAN I DIDN’T GET ALL OF MY INSULIN?
A small portion of the inhaled dose of Afrezza® may be exhaled and may produce a visible cloud. This is entirely normal and expected and does not indicate a problem with administration. To learn proper inhalation technique, refer to the Instructions for Use or click here.
IS IT NORMAL TO SEE SOME POWDER LEFT OVER IN MY INHALER AFTER I’VE INHALED MY AFREZZA®?
A small amount of powder residue in the mouthpiece or cartridge is normal. This does not affect your dose.
I THINK MY INHALER IS CLOGGED. I SEE POWDER BUILT UP IN THE INHALER. WILL THAT AFFECT MY DOSE?
A small amount of powder residue in the mouthpiece or cartridge is normal. This does not affect your dose. Be sure to replace the inhaler every 15 days and continue to monitor your blood sugar.
HOW WILL I KNOW HOW MUCH AFREZZA® TO TAKE?
Take Afrezza® exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to. Your healthcare provider should tell you how much Afrezza® to use and when to use it. Read the detailed Instructions for Use that comes with each carton/box/package of Afrezza®.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF AFREZZA® ISN’T WORKING?
If you are still seeing high blood sugars after taking Afrezza®, it could be something related to inhalation technique, a dose requiring adjustment, or day-to-day variability of food and your body. You should consult with your healthcare provider. Dosing on Afrezza® is typically a two-step process with your healthcare provider: determining an initial dose and then adjusting as needed. During the first few days, it’s helpful to see how your body responds, and to talk to your healthcare provider to see if you need to adjust your dose of Afrezza® to achieve your optimal blood sugar control. Check with your healthcare provider on how frequently he or she wants you to monitor your blood sugar.
CAN I USE AFREZZA® IF I AM SICK?
If you are sick, your insulin needs may change, so work with your healthcare provider to determine what type of dose adjustments would be right for you. Before you make any changes, consult with your healthcare provider.
I FORGOT A DOSE. IS IT OKAY TO TAKE IT AFTER A MEAL?
Afrezza® is a mealtime insulin and is recommended to be taken at the beginning of the meal. Talk to your doctor about missed doses, and they will help you find an appropriate time to take Afrezza® based on your individual needs and goals.
CAN I TRAVEL WITH AFREZZA®?
While not in use, Afrezza® should be stored in the refrigerator just like any insulin. However, if you are traveling and don’t have access to a refrigerator, unopened blister cards or strips can be stored at room temperature for up to 10 days. After the foil is punctured, the cartridges can be stored at room temperature for up to three days. You should not put Afrezza® back into the refrigerator after it has been stored at room temperature. It should never be stored in the freezer. If you have questions about travelling with Afrezza®, contact AfrezzaAssist℠ to speak to one of our Patient Support Guides:
PHONE (TOLL FREE)
1-844-323-7399
HOURS
MONDAY-FRIDAY, 8 AM-8 PM ET
CAN I WASH MY INHALER?
Do not wash the Afrezza® Inhaler. You can wipe the mouthpiece with a clean, dry cloth to remove moisture or lipstick.
WHEN DOES AFREZZA® EXPIRE?
Look on your box or on the foil wrapper to check the expiration date.
I ACCIDENTLY THREW AWAY ONE OF MY INHALERS. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Contact AfrezzaAssist℠:
PHONE (TOLL FREE)
1-844-323-7399
HOURS
MONDAY-FRIDAY, 8 AM-8 PM ET
WHO DO I CONTACT IF I NEED HELP USING AFREZZA®?
If you need more information or help, please visit the Taking Afrezza® page or contact AfrezzaAssist℠:
PHONE (TOLL FREE)
1-844-323-7399
HOURS
MONDAY-FRIDAY, 8 AM-8 PM ET
SIGN UP FOR MORE INFORMATION
Tell us a little about yourself and we’ll send you information and resources.
*Third-party website; does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by MannKind Corporation.
References:
- Afrezza® (insulin human) Inhalation Powder Prescribing Information. MannKind Corporation.
- Data on File. MannKind Corporation.
- Bode BW, McGill JB, Lorber DL, et al. Inhaled Technosphere insulin compared with injected prandial insulin in type 1 diabetes: a randomized 24-week trial. Diabetes Care. 2015;38(12):2266–2273.
- Levin PA, Heinemann L, Boss A, Rosenblit PD. Impact of symptomatic upper respiratory tract infections on insulin absorption and action of Technosphere inhaled insulin. BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care. 2016 Aug 25;4(1):e000228.
- Rave K, Heise T, Heinemann L, Boss, AH. Inhaled Technosphere insulin in comparison to subcutaneous regular human insulin: time action profile and variability in subjects with type 2 diabetes. J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2008;2(2):205–212.
- Rosenstock J, Franco D, Korpachev V, et al. Inhaled Technosphere insulin versus inhaled Technosphere placebo in insulin-naive subjects with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on oral antidiabetes agent. Diabetes Care. 2015;38(12):2274–2281.
US-AFR-1815
AFREZZA is a man-made insulin that is breathed-in through your lungs (inhaled) and is used to control high blood sugar in adults with diabetes mellitus.
What is the most important information I should know about AFREZZA? AFREZZA can cause serious side effects, including:
Sudden lung problems (bronchospasms). In a study, some AFREZZA-treated patients with asthma, whose asthma medication was temporarily withheld, experienced sudden lung problems. Do not use AFREZZA if you have long-term (chronic) lung problems such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Before starting AFREZZA, your healthcare provider will give you a breathing test to check how your lungs are working.
Important Safety Information(cont’d)
Who should not use Afrezza®?
Do not use Afrezza® if you:
- Have chronic lung problems such as asthma or COPD.
- Are allergic to regular human insulin or any of the ingredients in Afrezza®.
- Are having an episode of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Afrezza®?
Before using Afrezza®, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you:
- Have lung problems such as asthma or COPD
- Have or have had lung cancer
- Are using any inhaled medications
- Smoke or have recently stopped smoking
- Have kidney or liver problems
- Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Afrezza® may harm your unborn or breastfeeding baby.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins or herbal supplements.
Before you start using Afrezza®, talk to your healthcare provider about low blood sugar and how to manage it.
What should I avoid while using Afrezza®?
While using Afrezza® do not:
- Drive or operate heavy machinery, until you know how Afrezza® affects you.
- Drink alcohol or use over-the-counter medicines that contain alcohol.
- Smoke.
What are the possible side effects of Afrezza®?
Afrezza® may cause serious side effects that can lead to death, including:
See “What is the most important information I should know about Afrezza®?”
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Signs and symptoms that may indicate low blood sugar include:
- Dizziness or light-headedness, sweating, confusion, headache, blurred vision, slurred speech, shakiness, fast heartbeat, anxiety, irritability or mood change, hunger.
- Decreased lung function. Your healthcare provider should check how your lungs are working before you start using AFREZZA, 6 months after you start using it, and yearly after that.
- Lung cancer. In studies of Afrezza® in people with diabetes, lung cancer occurred in a few more people who were taking Afrezza® than in people who were taking other diabetes medications. There were too few cases to know if lung cancer was related to Afrezza®. If you have lung cancer, you and your healthcare provider should decide if you should use Afrezza®.
- Diabetic ketoacidosis. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have an illness. Your Afrezza® dose or how often you check your blood sugar may need to be changed.
- Severe allergic reaction (whole body reaction). Get medical help right away if you have any of these signs or symptoms of a severe allergic reaction:
- A rash over your whole body, trouble breathing, a fast heartbeat, or sweating.
- Low potassium in your blood (hypokalemia).
- Heart failure. Taking certain diabetes pills called thiazolidinediones or “TZDs” with Afrezza® may cause heart failure in some people. This can happen even if you have never had heart failure or heart problems before. If you already have heart failure it may get worse while you take TZDs with Afrezza®. Your healthcare provider should monitor you closely while you are taking TZDs with Afrezza®. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new or worse symptoms of heart failure including:
- Shortness of breath, swelling of your ankles or feet, sudden weight gain.
Treatment with TZDs and Afrezza® may need to be changed or stopped by your healthcare provider if you have new or worse heart failure.
Get emergency medical help if you have:
• Trouble breathing, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, swelling of your face, tongue, or throat, sweating, extreme drowsiness, dizziness, confusion.
The most common side effects of Afrezza® include:
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), cough, sore throat
These are not all the possible side effects of Afrezza®. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088).
Please See Full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING, Medication Guide and Instructions for Use for AFREZZA.
AFREZZA, the Afrezza logo, AFREZZAASSIST, AFREZZAASSIST and logo, MANNKIND, and BLUHALE VIS are registered trademarks of MannKind Corporation. © 2024 MannKind Corporation.
This site is intended for use by U.S. residents only.
Talk to a Doctor Online in just a few steps
Complete a quick medical questionnaire to help determine if Afrezza is right for you.
Schedule an appointment with a licensed healthcare provider.
If Afrezza is right for you, pick it up from your local pharmacy or have it delivered to your home.
If you have more questions, please visit our FAQs page
You are now leaving Afrezza.com
By clicking “Yes” below, you acknowledge and agree that MannKind does not, in any way, endorse or recommend the qualifications of any physician associated with the third-party website, or the quality of medical care any of those physicians can provide. MannKind makes no guarantees that using the third-party website will result in your desired outcome. It is wholly and solely your responsibility to assess the qualifications of a potential physician. MannKind recommends that you meet and discuss the benefits and risks of all potential treatments with the potential physician. MANNKIND AND ITS RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES HEREBY DISCLAIM ANY LIABILITY ARISING FROM YOUR USE AND/OR RELIANCE ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE THIRD-PARTY WEBSITE.
If you agree to the above, click “YES” to proceed to the third-party website. If you do not agree to the above, click “NO” to remain on Afrezza.com.