Patient was educated on contraindications for using Symbicort as follows: Hypertension Symbicort should be used cautiously in hypertensive patient, as steroid in Symbicort can result in retention of sodium and water, which contributes towards elevated blood pressures. Maintain a log of everyday blood pressure readings and report any gross elevations in the readings to your physician. Congestive heart failure Symbicort should be used cautiously in individuals with congestive heart failure, as steroid in Symbicort can [...]

Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while using Symbicort as follows: Individuals with history of immunosuppression or taking any immunosuppressant medications, such as, individuals with autoimmune disorders, must be cautious regarding using Symbicort. These individuals are at increased risk for opportunistic bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Any symptoms of infection, while using Symbicort, should be immediately reported and evaluated. Individuals taking other steroid medications, such as, Prednisone or Cortisol, for other health issues [...]

Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while using Symbicort as follows: Gargle and rinse the mouth with water after every dose of Symbicort inhalation. Spit out this water after rinsing and do not swallow. This helps prevent opportunistic candida infection in the oral cavity. Diabetics using Symbicort should keep a close watch on the everyday blood sugar readings. Poor blood sugar control should be reported to the physician for further investigation into the [...]

Patient was educated on side effects of using Symbicort as follows: Secondary bacterial and viral infections Due to the immunosuppression caused by the steroid in Symbicort, individuals using Symbicort are more prone to secondary bacterial and viral infections of respiratory tract. Patients can present with signs and symptoms of infection, such as, fever, throat irritation, productive cough, and stomach upset. Hypokalemia Chronic use of Symbicort can result in hypokalemia giving rise to symptoms such as, [...]

Patient was educated on side effects of using Symbicort as follows: Hypertension Steroid in Symbicort can result in retention of sodium and water and cause elevated blood pressure. Elevated blood sugars On long-term use, steroid in Symbicort can result in increased insulin resistance and contribute towards elevated blood sugars. This particularly can be an issue in diabetics with poor blood sugar control. Opportunistic fungal infection Symbicort can result in opportunistic fungal infection in the oral [...]