AFREZZA (insulin) powder, metered
AFREZZA (insulin) kit
[MannKind Corporation]
HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION
These highlights do not include all the information needed to use AFREZZA® safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for AFREZZA.
AFREZZA® (insulin human) Inhalation Powder.
Initial U.S. Approval: 06/2014
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 patients with asthma and COPD using AFREZZA. (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 (FEV1) to identify potential lung disease in all patients. (2.5), (5.1)
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
AFREZZA® is a rapid acting inhaled insulin indicated to improve glycemic control in adult patients with diabetes mellitus. (1)
Important limitations of use:
In patients with type 1 diabetes, must use with a long-acting insulin. (1)
Not recommended for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis. (1)
Not recommended in patients who smoke (1)
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
Administer using a single inhalation per cartridge (2.1)
Administer at the beginning of a meal (2.2)
Dosing must be individualized (2.2)
Before initiating, perform a detailed medical history, physical examination, and spirometry (FEV1) in all patients to identify potential lung disease (2.5)
DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
AFREZZA is available as single-use cartridges of: (3)
4 units
8 units
CONTRAINDICATIONS
During episodes of hypoglycemia (4)
Chronic lung disease, such as asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (4)
Hypersensitivity to regular human insulin or any of the AFREZZA excipients (4)
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Acute Bronchospasm: Acute bronchospasm has been observed in patients with asthma and COPD. Before initiating, perform spirometry (FEV1) in all patients. Do not use in patients with chronic lung disease (2.5, 4, 5.1)
Change in Insulin Regimen: Carry out under close medical supervision and increase frequency of blood glucose monitoring. (5.2)
Hypoglycemia: May be life-threatening. Increase frequency of glucose monitoring with changes to: insulin dosage, co-administered glucose lowering medications, meal pattern, physical activity; and in patients with renal or hepatic impairment and hypoglycemia unawareness. (5.3, 6, 7, 8.5, 8.6)
Decline in Pulmonary Function: Assess pulmonary function (e.g., spirometry) before initiating, after 6 months of therapy, and annually, even in the absence of pulmonary symptoms. (2.5, 5.4)
Lung Cancer: AFREZZA should not be used in patients with active lung cancer. In patients with a history of lung cancer or at risk for lung cancer, the benefit of AFREZZA use should outweigh this potential risk. (5.5)
Diabetic Ketoacidosis: More patients using AFREZZA experienced diabetic ketoacidosis in clinical trials. In patients at risk for DKA, monitor and change to alternate route of insulin delivery, if indicated. (5.6)
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Severe, life-threatening, generalized allergy, including anaphylaxis, can occur with insulin products, including AFREZZA. Discontinue AFREZZA, monitor and treat if indicated. (5.7)
Hypokalemia: May be life-threatening. Monitor potassium levels in patients at risk of hypokalemia and treat if indicated. (5.8)
Fluid Retention and Heart Failure with Concomitant Use of Thiazolidinediones (TZDs): Observe for signs and symptoms of heart failure; consider dosage reduction or discontinuation if heart failure occurs. (5.9)
ADVERSE REACTIONS
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 Corporation at (1-877-323-8505) or FDA at (1-800-FDA-1088) or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Drugs that Affect Glucose Metabolism: Adjustment of insulin dosage may be needed. (7.1, 7.2, 7.3)
Anti-Adrenergic Drugs (e.g., beta-blockers, clonidine, guanethidine, and reserpine): Signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia may be reduced or absent. (7.3, 7.4)
See 17 for PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION and Medication Guide.
Revised: 7/2014
Back to Highlights and Tabs
FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION: CONTENTS*
WARNING: RISK OF ACUTE BRONCHOSPASM IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC LUNG DISEASE
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
2.1 Route of Administration
2.2 Dosage Information
2.3 AFREZZA Administration for Doses Exceeding 8 units
2.4 Dosage Adjustment due to Drug Interactions
2.5 Lung Function Assessment Prior to Administration
2.6 Important Administration Instructions
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
5.1 Acute Bronchospasm in Patients with Chronic Lung Disease
5.2 Changes in Insulin Regimen
5.3 Hypoglycemia
5.4 Decline in Pulmonary Function
5.5 Lung Cancer
5.6 Diabetic Ketoacidosis
5.7 Hypersensitivity Reactions
5.8 Hypokalemia
5.9 Fluid Retention and Heart Failure with Concomitant Use of PPAR-gamma Agonists
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS
6.1 Clinical Trials Experience
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS
7.1 Drugs That May Increase the Risk of Hypoglycemia
7.2 Drugs That May Decrease the Blood Glucose Lowering Effect of AFREZZA
7.3 Drugs That May Increase or Decrease the Blood Glucose Lowering Effect of AFREZZA
7.4 Drugs That May Affect Hypoglycemia Signs and Symptoms
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
8.1 Pregnancy Teratogenic Effects: Pregnancy Category C
8.2 Nursing Mothers
8.3 Pediatric Use
8.4 Geriatric Use
8.5 Hepatic Impairment
8.6 Renal Impairment
10 OVERDOSAGE
11 DESCRIPTION
11.1 AFREZZA Cartridges
11.2 AFREZZA Inhaler
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
12.1 Mechanism of Action
12.2 Pharmacodynamics
12.3 Pharmacokinetics
13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
14 CLINICAL STUDIES
14.1 Overview of Clinical Studies of AFREZZA for Diabetes Mellitus
14.2 Type 1 Diabetes
14.3 Type 2 Diabetes
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING
17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION
17.1 Medication Guide
17.2 Instruction for Use
*
Sections or subsections omitted from the full prescribing information are not listed.

FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION
WARNING: RISK OF ACUTE BRONCHOSPASM IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC LUNG DISEASE
Acute bronchospasm has been observed in patients with asthma and COPD using AFREZZA. [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 (FEV1) to identify potential lung disease in all patients [see Dosage and Administration (2.5), Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE
AFREZZA® is a rapid acting inhaled insulin indicated to improve glycemic control in adult patients with diabetes mellitus.
Limitations of Use:
AFREZZA is not a substitute for long-acting insulin. AFREZZA must be used in combination with long-acting insulin in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.
AFREZZA is not recommended for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis [see Warning and Precautions (5.6)].
The safety and efficacy of AFREZZA in patients who smoke has not been established. The use of AFREZZA is not recommended in patients who smoke or who have recently stopped smoking.
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
2.1 Route of Administration
AFREZZA should only be administered via oral inhalation using the AFREZZA Inhaler. AFREZZA is administered using a single inhalation per cartridge.
2.2 Dosage Information
Administer AFREZZA at the beginning of the meal.
Dosage adjustment may be needed when switching from another insulin to AFREZZA [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Starting Mealtime Dose:
Insulin Naïve Individuals: Start on 4 units of AFREZZA at each meal.
Individuals Using Subcutaneous Mealtime (Prandial) Insulin: Determine the appropriate AFREZZA dose for each meal by converting from the injected dose using Figure 1.
Individuals Using Subcutaneous Pre-mixed Insulin: Estimate the mealtime injected dose by dividing half of the total daily injected pre-mixed insulin dose equally among the three meals of the day. Convert each estimated injected mealtime dose to an appropriate AFREZZA dose using Figure 1. Administer half of the total daily injected pre-mixed dose as an injected basal insulin dose.
Figure 1. Mealtime AFREZZA Dose Conversion Table

 

Mealtime Dose Adjustment

Adjust the dosage of AFREZZA based on the individual's metabolic needs, blood glucose monitoring results and glycemic control goal.

Dosage adjustments 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 [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3), and Use in Specific Populations (8.5, 8.6)] .

Carefully monitor blood glucose control in patients requiring high doses of AFREZZA. If, in these patients, blood glucose control is not achieved with increased AFREZZA doses, consider use of subcutaneous mealtime insulin.