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Text Box: Well, good news: A new drug Exubera® has hit the market and it is insulin that you can inhale. What is Exubera®? Exubera® is rapid-acting insulin powder that both Type 1 or Type 2 diabetics can inhale for their insulin therapy. It helps control high blood sugar by lowering levels of sugar in the blood. In Type 1 diabetes it is used in combination with a longer-acting insulin and in Type 2 diabetes it can be used alone, with oral diabetic medications, or with a longer-acting insulin. It is prescription only and indicated for adults 18 years and older. How do I take Exubera®? Exubera® comes in 1mg or 3mg dose blisters. Blisters are small foil packets that contain the dose of medication needed. The medication is used with an inhaler. The procedure for the proper use of this medication is outlined step-by-step in the medication guide or you can talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about the procedure. When Exubera® is used as a mealtime insulin; it should be used within 10 minutes before your meal. Never swallow the contents of the blisters or open the individual blisters. The inhaler will do that for you. If you

Text Box: miss a dose, take the medication as soon as you remember or if you are close to your next dose, wait and take it then. You need to store the medication away from humidity at room temperature and it is good for 3 months after the pouch that contains the blisters is opened. It is important to know that three, 1mg dose blisters do not equal one, 3mg blister. What important information should I know about Exubera®? Do not use Exubera® if you smoke, have quit within the last 6 months, or plan to smoke. Before using this medication a lung function test must be done and a repeat lung function test needs to be done after you start using it. Your doctor needs to know of any other prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, or any other diseases such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder or lung disorders before starting this medication. Do not use if you are pregnant or breast feeding. What are the possible side-effects? One side-effect is low blood sugar which has the symptoms of sweating, shaking, restlessness, mood changes, tingling, headache, blurred

Text Box: vision, dizziness, or possible slurred speech. If you have low blood sugar, drink some juice or eat some carbohydrates, talk to your physician, or get emergency help. Another side-effect is high blood sugar and some symptoms may include confusion, increased thirst, stomach pain, increased urination, or possible decreased appetite. Some other possible side-effects of using Exubera® include: decreased lung function, allergic reactions, cough, dry mouth, or chest discomfort. For more information talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist, call 1-800-EXUBERA, or visit the websites www.exubera.com or www.drugs.com.

Attention Diabetics: Are you tired of sticking yourself with needles to obtain insulin?

Contributed by: Melissa Curless, Pharm.D. Candidate

KU School of Pharmacy