Afrezza (insulin human) is prescribed to help manage blood sugar in adults with diabetes. The drug comes as powder with a cartridge and device for inhaling. You take it at the beginning of each meal.
Afrezza is used in adults with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes to manage blood glucose levels.
The active ingredient in Afrezza is insulin human. Afrezza belongs to a group of drugs called insulins.
This article describes the dosages of Afrezza, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Afrezza, see this in-depth article.
This section describes the usual dosages of Afrezza. Keep reading to learn more.
What’s Afrezza’s form?
Afrezza is available as a powder in a single-use cartridge. You take it with a device for inhaling.
What strengths does Afrezza come in?
Afrezza cartridges come in three strengths:
- 4 units of human insulin
- 8 units of human insulin
- 12 units of human insulin
What are the usual dosages of Afrezza?
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown below.
Dosage for managing blood glucose
The typical Afrezza dosage for adults with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes depends on whether you’re currently taking another insulin.
If you’re not currently taking insulin, the recommended starting dosage of Afrezza is 4 units to be taken at the beginning of each meal every day (three meals daily). Based on your blood sugar levels, your doctor may modify your Afrezza dosage throughout treatment.
If you’re currently taking another mealtime insulin, your doctor will convert your current insulin dosage to an equivalent Afrezza dosage. They’ll refer to the drugmaker’s dose conversion table shown below.
Your doctor will prescribe the Afrezza dose that most closely matches your current insulin dose. You’ll typically take a dose of Afrezza at the beginning of each meal every day (three meals daily).
| Current mealtime insulin dose | Recommended Afrezza dose |
|---|---|
| up to 4 units | 4 units |
| 5 to 8 units | 8 units |
| 9 to 12 units | 12 units |
| 13 to 16 units | 16 units |
| 17 to 20 units | 20 units |
| 21 to 24 units | 24 units |
If you’re currently taking a premixed insulin, your doctor will convert your current premixed insulin dosage to a similar Afrezza dosage. You’ll typically take your Afrezza dose at the beginning of each meal every day (three meals daily).
Your doctor may also have you continue taking the premixed insulin but prescribe a different dosage. You might take a dose two or three times per day before a meal.
Your doctor can provide more information on the right dosage of Afrezza and your premixed insulin if you’ll still take it.
Is Afrezza taken long term?
Yes, Afrezza is usually taken as a long-term treatment. You and your doctor can discuss whether it’s safe and effective for your condition. If you agree that it is, you’ll likely take it long term.
Afrezza comes as powder inside a single-use cartridge. To prepare a dose, you’ll insert the cartridge in the inhaler device. Once the cartridge and device are properly set, you’ll exhale. Then, to take a dose, you’ll close your lips around the mouthpiece of the device and inhale. While removing the inhaler device from your mouth, hold your breath as long as comfortable. Then, exhale.
You’ll take a dose at the beginning of each meal every day (three meals daily). For each dose, insert a new cartridge into the inhaler device. For some doses, you may need to use more than one cartridge per dose. Be sure the cartridge and inhaler device are at room temperature for at least 10 minutes before you take a dose.
Do not place the cartridge directly into your mouth or attempt to breathe in directly from the cartridge. Take Afrezza only with the cartridge in place in the device.
Once you start using an inhaler device, you can use it up to 15 days. After that, discard it and use a new device.
You can learn more about how to take Afrezza in the drugmaker’s step-by-step instructions or “How to Use Afrezza” video. These materials also provide information on when to dispose of the cartridges and inhaler device. Your doctor or pharmacist also can help you learn more.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Afrezza’s dosage.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Afrezza?
It’s important to take your doses of Afrezza at the beginning of each meal (three meals daily). But talk with your doctor about what to do if you miss a dose. They can tell you an appropriate time to take Afrezza if you miss a dose.
If you’re not sure whether to take a missed dose or skip it, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
To help make sure you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.
Is an Afrezza titration pack available?
Yes, Afrezza is available in a titration pack. “Titration” refers to increasing or decreasing a drug’s dosage over time.
Afrezza titration packs contain more than one strength of Afrezza cartridges. Your doctor may prescribe this pack if they’re titrating your Afrezza dose.
Ask your doctor whether your dose will be titrated and whether you’ll need a titration pack.
Do not take more Afrezza than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of overdose
An overdose can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can cause symptoms such as:
Taking too much Afrezza also can cause hypokalemia (low blood potassium), which can cause symptoms such as:
- fatigue
- weakness
- muscle cramps
- heart palpitations
What to do in case you take too much Afrezza
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Afrezza. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency room.
If you’re prescribed Afrezza, ask your doctor about a glucagon injection kit. Glucagon is a medication used to raise blood sugar in an emergency. One situation might be to treat extremely low blood sugar caused by an Afrezza overdose. Even after taking a dose of glucagon, get immediate medical attention for hypoglycemia.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.