Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Flovent HFA as follows:
- Flovent HFA must be cautiously used in individuals with history of diabetes and poor blood sugar control, as long-term use of Flovent HFA can result in increased insulin resistance and increased synthesis of glucose from sources other than carbohydrates. This can contribute to aggravated blood sugars and can result in poor blood sugar control in diabetics. Individuals can present with signs and symptoms of elevated blood sugars, such as, dry mouth, frequent urination, increased thirst and hunger, dry skin, and blurred vision.
- Flovent HFA, being a steroid, acts as an anti-inflammatory and opposes the natural body defenses, thus contributing to poor wound healing. Flovent HFA must be avoided or cautiously used in individuals with history of ulceration and non-healing wounds in the nasal and oral cavities. Individuals can present with development of new ulcers and signs and symptoms of poor healing of existing ulcers in the nasal and oral cavities, such as, nasal crusting, recurrent episodes of bleeding from the ulcers, progressive thinning of the cartilage in the nasal septum leading to perforation, and infection of the ulcers with foul smell and drainage.
- Flovent HFA should be avoided or cautiously administered to individuals with history of osteoporosis. Use of Flovent HFA in osteoporotic individuals can result in further loss of bone mass and deterioration of osteoporosis with weakening of the skeletal framework. Individuals can present with signs and symptoms of worsening osteoporosis, such as, exacerbation of skeletal pain and pathological fractures, even at the slightest/no injury.
