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INSULIN HUMAN: 27,596 Adverse Event Reports & Safety Profile

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27,596
Total FAERS Reports
831 (3.0%)
Deaths Reported
5,963
Hospitalizations
27,596
As Primary/Secondary Suspect
578
Life-Threatening
672
Disabilities
Eli Lilly and Company
Manufacturer
Prescription
Status

Drug Class: Insulin [CS] · Route: SUBCUTANEOUS · Manufacturer: Eli Lilly and Company · FDA Application: 018780 · HUMAN OTC DRUG · FDA Label: Available

First Report: 19200514 · Latest Report: 20250911

What Are the Most Common INSULIN HUMAN Side Effects?

#1 Most Reported
Blood glucose increased
8,704 reports (31.5%)
#2 Most Reported
Blood glucose decreased
2,587 reports (9.4%)
#3 Most Reported
Drug ineffective
2,464 reports (8.9%)

All INSULIN HUMAN Side Effects by Frequency

Side Effect Reports % of Total Deaths Hosp.
Blood glucose increased 8,704 31.5% 26 1,687
Blood glucose decreased 2,587 9.4% 19 509
Drug ineffective 2,464 8.9% 46 378
Incorrect dose administered 1,949 7.1% 7 232
Visual impairment 1,402 5.1% 1 240
Hypoglycaemia 1,350 4.9% 69 705
Wrong technique in product usage process 1,163 4.2% 5 179
Glycosylated haemoglobin increased 1,008 3.7% 3 189
Blood glucose abnormal 900 3.3% 2 299
Maternal exposure during pregnancy 865 3.1% 1 101
Malaise 805 2.9% 12 153
Drug dose omission 717 2.6% 3 145
Fall 670 2.4% 17 346
Headache 668 2.4% 0 177
Cataract 657 2.4% 1 125
Injection site pain 651 2.4% 3 81
Underdose 634 2.3% 0 30
Hyperglycaemia 620 2.3% 45 318
Dizziness 614 2.2% 1 146
Weight decreased 586 2.1% 5 262

Who Reports INSULIN HUMAN Side Effects? Age & Gender Data

Gender: 57.4% female, 42.6% male. Average age: 61.2 years. Most reports from: US. View detailed demographics →

Is INSULIN HUMAN Getting Safer? Reports by Year

YearReportsDeathsHosp.
2000 46 1 12
2001 63 10 34
2002 40 2 7
2003 51 3 20
2004 54 1 13
2005 96 6 39
2006 106 1 16
2007 92 2 24
2008 244 0 37
2009 542 2 37
2010 501 8 46
2011 389 5 62
2012 403 4 76
2013 589 14 128
2014 798 23 255
2015 1,040 57 330
2016 931 30 268
2017 1,014 23 296
2018 899 30 257
2019 784 41 255
2020 839 17 233
2021 672 46 231
2022 457 18 159
2023 394 22 156
2024 341 5 102
2025 181 12 34

View full timeline →

What Is INSULIN HUMAN Used For?

IndicationReports
Product used for unknown indication 8,801
Diabetes mellitus 6,813
Type 2 diabetes mellitus 6,567
Type 1 diabetes mellitus 2,150
Gestational diabetes 710
Blood glucose increased 134
Hyperglycaemia 85
Blood glucose abnormal 58
Diabetes mellitus inadequate control 43
Toxic epidermal necrolysis 38

INSULIN HUMAN vs Alternatives: Which Is Safer?

INSULIN HUMAN vs INSULIN LISPRO INSULIN HUMAN vs INSULIN LISPRO-AABC INSULIN HUMAN vs INSULIN NOS INSULIN HUMAN vs INSULIN PORK\INSULIN PURIFIED PORK INSULIN HUMAN vs INTERFERON INSULIN HUMAN vs INTERFERON ALFA-2A INSULIN HUMAN vs INTERFERON ALFA-2A OR INTERFERON ALFA-2B INSULIN HUMAN vs INTERFERON ALFA-2B INSULIN HUMAN vs INTERFERON BETA INSULIN HUMAN vs INTERFERON BETA-1A

Other Drugs in Same Class: Insulin [CS]

Official FDA Label for INSULIN HUMAN

Official prescribing information from the FDA-approved drug label.

Drug Description

Insulin human is produced by recombinant DNA technology, utilizing Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker’s yeast) as the production organism. The amino acid sequence of insulin human is identical to human insulin and has the empirical formula C 257 H 383 N 65 O 77 S 6 and a molecular weight of 5808 Da. NOVOLIN 70/30 (insulin isophane human and insulin human) injectable suspension is a mixture of 70% of insulin isophane human, an intermediate-acting insulin, and 30% of insulin human, a short-acting insulin. NOVOLIN 70/30 is a suspension of crystals produced from combining insulin human and protamine sulfate under appropriate conditions for crystal formation and mixing with insulin human injection.

Figure

1: Structural formula of human insulin NOVOLIN 70/30 is a sterile, white and cloudy injectable suspension that contains insulin isophane human suspension (NPH) and insulin human injection (regular) for subcutaneous use. Each milliliter of NOVOLIN 70/30 contains 100 units of insulin human, dibasic sodium phosphate (1.9 mg), glycerin (16 mg), metacresol (1.5 mg), phenol (0.65 mg), protamine sulfate (approximately 0.25 mg), zinc (20.5 mcg/mL for the vial or 30.1 mcg for the FlexPen), and Water for Injection. Hydrochloric acid 2N and sodium hydroxide 2N may be added during manufacture to adjust the pH. The pH is 7.1-7.5. Structural formula of human insulin

FDA Approved Uses (Indications)

AND USAGE HUMULIN R U-500 is a concentrated human insulin indicated to improve glycemic control in adult and pediatric patients with diabetes mellitus requiring more than 200 units of insulin per day. HUMULIN ® R U-500 is a concentrated human insulin indicated to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients with diabetes mellitus requiring more than 200 units of insulin per day. ( 1 ) Limitation of Use: The safety and efficacy of HUMULIN R U-500 used in combination with other insulins has not been determined. The safety and efficacy of HUMULIN R U-500 delivered by continuous subcutaneous infusion has not been determined. ( 1.1 )

1.1 Limitation of Use The safety and efficacy of HUMULIN R U-500 used in combination with other insulins has not been determined. The safety and efficacy of HUMULIN R U-500 delivered by continuous subcutaneous infusion has not been determined.

Dosage & Administration

AND ADMINISTRATION Only administer via oral inhalation using the AFREZZA inhaler ( 2.2 ) Administer at the beginning of each meal ( 2.2 ) See full prescribing information for the recommended starting mealtime dosage in insulin-naïve patients and patients who are using subcutaneous mealtime insulin, or pre-mixed insulin ( 2.3 ) Modify the mealtime AFREZZA dosage based on the patient's metabolic needs, blood glucose monitoring results, and glycemic control goal ( 2.4 ) If blood glucose control is not achieved with increased AFREZZA dosages, consider discontinuing AFREZZA ( 2.4 )

2.1 Lung Function Assessment Prior to Administration AFREZZA is contraindicated in patients with chronic lung disease because of the risk of acute bronchospasm in these patients. Before initiating AFREZZA, perform a medical history, physical examination and spirometry (FEV 1 ) in all patients to identify potential lung disease <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Contraindications ( 4 ) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]</span>.

2.2 Important Administration Information Refer patients to the Instructions for Use for detailed instructions and visuals on how to prepare, administer, and store AFREZZA; use the AFREZZA cartridges; and use the AFREZZA inhaler. Only administer AFREZZA via oral inhalation using the AFREZZA Inhaler. Administer AFREZZA at the beginning of each meal. Administer AFREZZA using a single inhalation per cartridge (if the dose is greater than the contents of a single cartridge, more than one cartridge is needed) <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 ), Dosage Forms and Strengths ( 3 )]</span>. To administer AFREZZA: Keep the inhaler level with the white mouthpiece on top and purple base on the bottom after a cartridge has been inserted into the inhaler. Loss of drug effect can occur if the inhaler is turned upside down, held with the mouthpiece pointing down, shaken, or dropped after the cartridge has been inserted but before the dose has been administered. If any of the above occur, replace the cartridge before use. Hold the inhaler away from the mouth and fully exhale. After the inhaler is placed in the mouth and the lips form a seal, tilt the inhaler down towards the chin while keeping the head level. With the mouth closed around the mouthpiece, inhale deeply through the inhaler. Hold the breath for as long as comfortable and at the same time remove the inhaler from the mouth. After holding the breath, exhale and continue to breathe normally. The AFREZZA Inhaler can be used for up to 15 days from the date of first use.

After

15 days of use, discard the inhaler and replace it with a new inhaler.

2.3 Recommended Starting Mealtime Dosage of AFREZZA Insulin naïve patients The initial dosage of AFREZZA is 4 units inhaled at the beginning of each meal. Switching from Other Mealtime (prandial)

Insulin

Regimens to AFREZZA When switching from another insulin to AFREZZA, a different insulin dosage may be needed and increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring and monitoring for signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia may be needed [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 , 5.3 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 , 12.3 )]. Subcutaneous, Mealtime (prandial) Insulin: Follow the recommendations in Table 1 to convert each injected mealtime insulin dosage (or bolus dosage for patients using insulin pumps) to the recommended mealtime dosage of AFREZZA. Subcutaneous, Pre-Mixed Insulin: Refer to the prescribing information for the pre-mixed insulin to estimate the mealtime subcutaneous insulin dosage based on the product's pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. Follow the recommendations in Table 1 to convert each estimated injected mealtime dosage to an AFREZZA mealtime dose. If basal insulin is clinically indicated, refer to the prescribing information for the chosen basal insulin for dosage recommendations.

Table

1.

Recommended Starting Mealtime

Dosage of AFREZZA when Switching from Other Mealtime Insulin Regimens * For AFREZZA doses exceeding the contents of a single cartridge at mealtime, use more than one cartridge. To achieve the required total mealtime dosage, use a combination of 4 unit, 8 unit, and 12 unit cartridges. When titrating dosages above 16 units after the initial conversion dosage, use combinations of different cartridges [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.4 ), Dosage Forms and Strengths ( 3 ), How Supplied/Storage and Handling ( 16 )] .

Current Subcutaneous Mealtime Insulin Dosage

Starting Dosage of AFREZZA Up to 3 units 4 units 4 to 5 units 8 units 6 to 7 units 12 units 8 or more units 16 units

2.4 Mealtime AFREZZA Dosage Modification Modify the mealtime AFREZZA dosage based on the patient&apos;s metabolic needs, blood glucose monitoring results, and glycemic control goal. Dosage modifications may be needed with changes in physical activity, changes in meal patterns (i.e., macronutrient content or timing of food intake), changes in renal or hepatic function or during acute illness <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ) and Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 , 8.7 )]</span>. Increase the frequency of blood glucose monitoring during titration of AFREZZA. If blood glucose control is not achieved with increased AFREZZA dosages, consider discontinuing AFREZZA.

2.5 Dosage Modifications for Drug Interactions Dosage modification may be needed when: AFREZZA is used concomitantly with certain drugs that increase and/or decrease the glucose lowering effect <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Drug Interactions ( 7.1 , 7.2 , 7.3 )]</span>. Switching from another insulin to AFREZZA <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 ) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]</span>

Contraindications

AFREZZA is contraindicated: During episodes of hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )]. In patients with chronic lung disease, such as asthma or COPD, because of the risk of acute bronchospasm [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. In patients with a previous severe hypersensitivity reaction to any regular human insulin product or any of the inactive ingredients in AFREZZA. Severe, life-threatening, generalized allergy, including anaphylaxis, can occur with AFREZZA [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )]. During episodes of hypoglycemia ( 4 ) Chronic lung disease, such as asthma, or COPD ( 4 ) Hypersensitivity to any regular human insulin product or any of the inactive ingredients in AFREZZA ( 4 )

Known Adverse Reactions

REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in the labeling: Acute bronchospasm in patients with chronic lung disease [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Decline in pulmonary function [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Lung cancer [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Diabetic ketoacidosis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Hypersensitivity reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] The most common adverse reactions associated with AFREZZA (2% or greater incidence) are hypoglycemia, cough, and throat pain or irritation ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact MannKind at 1-877-323-8505 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The data described below reflect exposure of 3,017 patients to AFREZZA and include 1,026 patients with type 1 diabetes and 1,991 patients with type 2 diabetes. The mean exposure duration was 8.2 months for patients with type 1 diabetes and those with type 2 diabetes. In the overall population: 1,874 patients were exposed to AFREZZA for 6 months and 724 patients for greater than one year. 620 and 1,254 patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, respectively, were exposed to AFREZZA for up to 6 months. 238 and 486 patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, respectively, were exposed to AFREZZA for greater than one year (median exposure was 1.8 years). AFREZZA was studied in placebo and active-controlled trials (n = 3 and n = 10, respectively). The mean age of the population was 50 years and 20 patients were older than 75 years of age; 51% of the population were males; 83% were White, 5% were Black or African American, and 2% were Asian; 10% were Hispanic. At baseline, the type 1 diabetes population had diabetes for an average of 17 years and had a mean HbA1c of 8.3%, and the type 2 diabetes population had diabetes for an average of 11 years and had a mean HbA1c of 8.8%. At baseline, 33% of the population reported peripheral neuropathy, 32% reported retinopathy and 20% had a history of cardiovascular disease.

Table

2 shows the frequency of common adverse reactions, excluding hypoglycemia, associated with the use of AFREZZA in the pool of controlled trials in type 2 diabetes patients that occurred more commonly on AFREZZA than on placebo and/or comparator and occurred in at least 2% of patients treated with AFREZZA.

Table

2.

Common Adverse Reactions That

Occurred in ≥ 2% in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (excluding Hypoglycemia) Treated with AFREZZA *Carrier particle without insulin was used as placebo [see Description ( 11.1 )] . AFREZZA (n = 1,991) % Placebo* (n = 290) % Non-placebo comparators (n=1,363) % Cough 26 4 3 3 2 2 2 20 4 3 1 1 1 0.3 5 1 2 2 1 1 1 Throat pain or irritation Headache Diarrhea Productive cough Fatigue Nausea Table 3 shows the frequency of common adverse reactions, excluding hypoglycemia, associated with the use of AFREZZA in the pool of active-controlled trials in type 1 diabetes patients. These adverse reactions were not present at baseline, occurred more commonly on AFREZZA than on comparator, and occurred in at least 2% of patients treated with AFREZZA.

Table

3.

Common Adverse Reactions That

Occurred in ≥ 2% in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (excluding Hypoglycemia) Treated with AFREZZA AFREZZA (n=1,026)

Subcutaneous

Insulin (n = 835)

Cough

29 5 Throat pain or irritation 6 2 Headache 5 3 Pulmonary function test decreased 3 1 Bronchitis 3 2 Urinary tract infection 2 2 Hypoglycemia Hypoglycemia is the most commonly observed adverse reaction in patients using insulin, including AFREZZA [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] . The incidence of severe and non-severe hypoglycemia in AFREZZA-treated patients versus placebo-treated patients with type 2 diabetes is shown in Table 4 . A hypoglycemic episode was recorded if a patient reported symptoms of hypoglycemia with or without a blood glucose value consistent with hypoglycemia. Severe hypoglycemia was defined as an event with symptoms consistent with hypoglycemia requiring the assistance of another person and associated with either a blood glucose value consistent with hypoglycemia or prompt recovery after treatment for hypoglycemia.

Table

4. Incidence of Severe and Non-Severe Hypoglycemia in a Placebo-Controlled Study of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes AFREZZA (N=177) Placebo (N=176)

Severe Hypoglycemia

5% 2% Non-Severe Hypoglycemia 67% 30% Cough Approximately 27% of patients treated with AFREZZA reported cough, compared to approximately 5% of patients treated with comparator. In clinical trials, cough was the most common reason for discontinuation of AFREZZA therapy (3% of AFREZZA-treated patients).

Pulmonary Function

Decline In clinical trials lasting up to 2 years, excluding patients with chronic lung disease, patients treated with AFREZZA had a 40 mL (95% CI: -80, -1) greater decline from baseline in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV 1 ) compared to patients treated with comparator anti-diabetes treatments. The decline occurred during the first 3 months of therapy and persisted over 2 years ( Figure 1 ). A decline in FEV 1 of ≥ 15% occurred in 6% of AFREZZA-treated patients compared to 3% of comparator-treated patients [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )].

Figure

1. Mean (+/-SE) Change in FEV 1 (Liters) from Baseline for Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Patients Figure 1 Weight Gain Weight gain has occurred with some insulin therapies, including AFREZZA. Weight gain has been attributed to the anabolic effects of insulin and the decrease in glycosuria. In a clinical trial of patients with type 2 diabetes [see Clinical Studies ( 14.3 )] , there was a mean 0.49 kg weight gain among AFREZZA-treated patients compared with a mean 1.13 kg weight loss among placebo-treated patients.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reaction has been identified during post approval use of AFREZZA. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure: bronchospasm.

FDA Boxed Warning

BLACK BOX WARNING

WARNING: RISK OF ACUTE BRONCHOSPASM IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC LUNG DISEASE Acute bronchospasm has been observed in AFREZZA-treated patients with asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. AFREZZA is contraindicated in patients with chronic lung disease such as asthma or COPD [see Contraindications ( 4 )]. Before initiating AFREZZA, perform a detailed medical history, physical examination, and spirometry (FEV 1 ) to identify potential lung disease in all patients [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. WARNING: RISK OF ACUTE BRONCHOSPASM IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC LUNG DISEASE See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Acute bronchospasm has been observed in AFREZZA-treated patients with asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). ( 5.1 ) AFREZZA is contraindicated in patients with chronic lung disease such as asthma or COPD. ( 4 ) Before initiating AFREZZA, perform a detailed medical history, physical examination, and spirometry (FEV 1 ) to identify potential lung disease in all patients. ( 2.5 ), ( 5.1 )

Warnings

AND PRECAUTIONS Hypoglycemia or Hyperglycemia with Changes in Insulin Regimen : Make necessary changes to a patient's insulin regimen under close medical supervision with increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring. For patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, oral antidiabetic treatment dosage modifications may be needed. ( 5.2 ) Hypoglycemia (may be life-threatening): Increase frequency of glucose monitoring in patients at higher risk for hypoglycemia and those who have reduced symptomatic awareness of hypoglycemia. ( 5.3 ) Decline in Pulmonary Function : Assess pulmonary function (e.g., spirometry (FEV 1 )) at baseline, after 6 months of therapy, and annually, even in the absence of pulmonary symptoms. In patients who have a decline of ≥ 20% in FEV 1 from baseline, consider discontinuing AFREZZA. Consider more frequent monitoring of pulmonary function in patients with pulmonary symptoms ( 5.4 )

Lung

Cancer : In patients with active lung cancer, a prior history of lung cancer, or in patients at risk for lung cancer, consider whether the benefits of AFREZZA use outweigh this potential risk. ( 5.5 )

Diabetic

Ketoacidosis : In patients at risk for DKA, increase the frequency of glucose monitoring and consider changing to alternate route of insulin delivery. ( 5.6 )

Hypersensitivity

Reactions : Severe, life-threatening, generalized allergy, including anaphylaxis, can occur with AFREZZA. If hypersensitivity reactions occur, discontinue AFREZZA, treat per standard of care and monitor until symptoms and signs resolve. ( 5.7 ) Hypokalemia (may be life-threatening): Monitor potassium levels in patients at risk of hypokalemia. ( 5.8 )

Fluid

Retention and Heart Failure with Concomitant Use of PPAR-gamma Agonists: Observe for signs and symptoms of heart failure; consider dosage reduction or discontinuation if heart failure occurs. ( 5.9 )

5.1 Acute Bronchospasm in Patients with Chronic Lung Disease Because of the risk of acute bronchospasm, AFREZZA is contraindicated in patients with chronic lung disease such as asthma or COPD <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Contraindications ( 4 )]</span> . Before initiating therapy with AFREZZA, evaluate patients with a medical history, physical examination, and spirometry (FEV 1 ) to identify potential underlying lung disease. Acute bronchospasm has been observed in AFREZZA-treated patients with asthma and COPD. In a study of patients with asthma whose bronchodilators were temporarily withheld for assessment, bronchoconstriction and wheezing following AFREZZA dosing was reported in 29% (5/17) and 0% (0/13) of patients with and without a diagnosis of asthma, respectively. In this study, a mean decline in FEV 1 of 400 mL was observed 15 minutes after a single AFREZZA dose in patients with asthma. In a subset study of 8 patients with COPD, a mean decline in FEV 1 of 200 mL was observed 18 minutes after a single AFREZZA dose.

5.2 Hypoglycemia or Hyperglycemia with Changes in Insulin Regimen Changes in an insulin regimen (e.g., insulin strength, manufacturer, injection site or type, or method of administration) may affect glycemic control and predispose to hypoglycemia <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )]</span> or hyperglycemia. If clinically indicated, make any necessary changes to a patient&apos;s insulin regimen under close medical supervision with increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring. For patients with type 2 diabetes, dosage modifications of concomitant oral antidiabetic treatment may be needed <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Drug Interactions ( 7.1 , 7.2 , and 7.3 )]</span> .

5.3 Hypoglycemia Hypoglycemia is the most common adverse reaction associated with insulins, including AFREZZA. Severe hypoglycemia can cause seizures, may be life-threatening, or cause death. Hypoglycemia can impair concentration ability and reaction time; this may place an individual and others at risk in situations where these abilities are important (e.g., driving or operating other machinery). AFREZZA&apos;s time action profile impacts the timing of hypoglycemia following inhalation of the drug product <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]</span> . Hypoglycemia can occur suddenly, and symptoms may differ across patients and change over time in the same patient. Symptomatic awareness of hypoglycemia may be less pronounced in patients with longstanding diabetes, in patients with diabetic nerve disease, in patients using medications that block the sympathetic nervous system (e.g., beta-blockers) <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Drug Interactions ( 7 )]</span>, or in patients who experience recurrent hypoglycemia.

Risk

Factors and Mitigation Strategies for Hypoglycemia The risk of hypoglycemia after use of AFREZZA is related to the duration of action of the insulin and, in general, is highest when the glucose lowering effect of the insulin is maximal [See Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . The glucose lowering effect time course of AFREZZA may vary in different individuals or at different times in the same individual and depends on many conditions [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )] . Other factors which may increase the risk of hypoglycemia include changes in meal pattern (e.g., macronutrient content or timing of meals), changes in level of physical activity, or changes to concomitantly administered medication [see Drug Interactions ( 7 )]. Patients with renal or hepatic impairment may be at higher risk of hypoglycemia [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 , 8.7 )]. Advise patients to recognize and manage hypoglycemia and self-monitor glucose. In patients at higher risk for hypoglycemia and patients who have reduced symptomatic awareness of hypoglycemia, increased frequency of glucose monitoring is recommended.

5.4 Decline in Pulmonary Function AFREZZA causes a decline in pulmonary function over time as measured by FEV 1 . In clinical trials excluding patients with chronic lung disease and lasting up to 2 years, AFREZZA-treated patients experienced a small [40 mL (95% CI: -80, -1)] but greater FEV 1 decline than comparator-treated patients. The FEV 1 decline was noted within the first 3 months, and persisted for the entire duration of therapy (up to 2 years of observation). In this population, the annual rate of FEV 1 decline did not appear to worsen with increased duration of use. The effects of AFREZZA on pulmonary function for treatment duration longer than 2 years has not been established. There are insufficient data in long term studies to draw conclusions regarding reversal of the effect on FEV 1 after discontinuation of AFREZZA. The observed changes in FEV 1 were similar in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Assess pulmonary function (e.g., spirometry) at baseline, after the first 6 months of therapy, and annually thereafter, even in the absence of pulmonary symptoms. In patients who have a decline of ≥ 20% in FEV 1 from baseline, consider discontinuing AFREZZA. Consider more frequent monitoring of pulmonary function in patients with pulmonary symptoms such as wheezing, bronchospasm, breathing difficulties, or persistent or recurring cough. If symptoms persist, discontinue AFREZZA <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Adverse Reactions ( 6 )]</span> .

5.5 Lung Cancer In clinical trials, two cases of lung cancer, one in controlled trials and one in uncontrolled trials (2 cases in 2,750 patient-years of exposure), were observed in patients exposed to AFREZZA while no cases of lung cancer were observed in patients exposed to comparators (0 cases in 2,169 patient-years of exposure). In both cases, a prior history of heavy tobacco use was identified as a risk factor for lung cancer. Two additional cases of lung cancer (squamous cell and lung blastoma) occurred in non-smokers exposed to AFREZZA and were reported by investigators after clinical trial completion. These data are insufficient to determine whether AFREZZA has an effect on lung or respiratory tract tumors. In patients with active lung cancer, a prior history of lung cancer, or in patients at risk for lung cancer, consider whether the benefits of AFREZZA use outweigh this potential risk.

5.6 Diabetic Ketoacidosis In clinical trials enrolling patients with type 1 diabetes, DKA was more common in AFREZZA-treated patients (0.43%; n=13) than in comparator-treated patients (0.14%; n=3). Patients with type 1 diabetes should always use AFREZZA concomitantly with basal insulin. In patients at risk for DKA, such as those with an acute illness or infection, increase the frequency of glucose monitoring and consider discontinuing AFREZZA and giving insulin using an alternate route of administration.

5.7 Hypersensitivity Reactions Severe, life-threatening, generalized allergy, including anaphylaxis, can occur with AFREZZA. If hypersensitivity reactions occur, discontinue AFREZZA, treat per standard of care and monitor until symptoms and signs resolve <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Adverse Reactions ( 6 )]</span> . AFREZZA is contraindicated in patients with a previous severe hypersensitivity reaction to any regular human insulin product or any of the inactive ingredients in AFREZZA <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Contraindications ( 4 )]</span> .

5.8 Hypokalemia All insulin products, including AFREZZA, cause a shift in potassium from the extracellular to intracellular space, possibly leading to hypokalemia. Untreated hypokalemia may cause respiratory paralysis, ventricular arrhythmia, and death. Monitor potassium levels in AFREZZA-treated patients at risk for hypokalemia (e.g., patients using potassium-lowering medications, patients taking medications sensitive to serum potassium concentrations and patients receiving intravenously administered insulin).

5.9 Fluid Retention and Heart Failure with Concomitant Use of PPAR-gamma Agonists Thiazolidinediones (TZDs), which are peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma agonists, can cause dose-related fluid retention, particularly when used in combination with insulin. Fluid retention may lead to or exacerbate heart failure. Patients treated with insulin, including AFREZZA, and a PPAR-gamma agonist should be observed for signs and symptoms of heart failure. If heart failure develops, it should be managed according to current standards of care, and discontinuation or dose reduction of the PPAR-gamma agonist should be considered.

Drug Interactions

INTERACTIONS Table 1: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with MYXREDLIN Drugs that May Increase the Risk of Hypoglycemia Drugs: Antidiabetic agents, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blocking agents, disopyramide, fibrates, fluoxetine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, pentoxifylline, pramlintide, salicylates, somatostatin analog (e.g., octreotide), and sulfonamide antibiotics. Intervention: Dose adjustment and increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when MYXREDLIN is co-administered with these drugs. Drugs that May Decrease the Blood Glucose Lowering Effect of MYXREDLIN Drugs: Atypical antipsychotics (e.g., olanzapine and clozapine), corticosteroids, danazol, diuretics, estrogens, glucagon, isoniazid, niacin, oral contraceptives, phenothiazines, progestogens (e.g., in oral contraceptives), protease inhibitors, somatropin, sympathomimetic agents (e.g., albuterol, epinephrine, terbutaline), and thyroid hormones. Intervention: Dose adjustment and increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when MYXREDLIN is co-administered with these drugs. Drugs that May Increase or Decrease the Blood Glucose Lowering Effect of MYXREDLIN Drugs: Alcohol, beta-blockers, clonidine, and lithium salts. Pentamidine may cause hypoglycemia, which may sometimes be followed by hyperglycemia. Intervention: Dose adjustment and increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when MYXREDLIN is co-administered with these drugs. Drugs that May Blunt Signs and Symptoms of Hypoglycemia Drugs: Beta-blockers, clonidine, guanethidine, and reserpine. Intervention: Increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when MYXREDLIN is co-administered with these drugs.

  • Drugs that may increase the risk of hypoglycemia: antidiabetic agents, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blocking agents, disopyramide, fibrates, fluoxetine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, pentoxifylline, pramlintide, salicylates, somatostatin analog (e.g., octreotide), and sulfonamide antibiotics. ( 7 )
  • Drugs that may decrease the blood glucose lowering effect: atypical antipsychotics, corticosteroids, danazol, diuretics, estrogens, glucagon, isoniazid, niacin, oral contraceptives, phenothiazines, progestogens (e.g., in oral contraceptives), protease inhibitors, somatropin, sympathomimetic agents (e.g., albuterol, epinephrine, terbutaline), and thyroid hormones. ( 7 )
  • Drugs that may increase or decrease the blood glucose lowering effect: Alcohol, beta-blockers, clonidine, lithium salts, and pentamidine. ( 7 )
  • Drugs that may blunt the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia: beta-blockers, clonidine, guanethidine, and reserpine. ( 7 )