Flovent Cannot Be Used as a Stoma Adhesive
Flovent (fluticasone propionate) is an inhaled corticosteroid medication designed for respiratory use and is not formulated or approved as a stoma adhesive. However, topical application of corticosteroid inhalers has been reported for managing peristomal inflammation, which is a distinctly different use than serving as an adhesive.
Understanding the Distinction
What Stoma Adhesives Actually Are
- Stoma adhesives are specialized products (powders, pastes, or barrier films) designed to help ostomy appliances adhere to the peristomal skin 1
- True stoma adhesive powders (like karaya or pectin-based products) create a dry surface that allows the ostomy wafer to stick properly 1
- Zinc oxide can be applied to protect irritated peristomal skin but is not primarily an adhesive 1
Flovent's Actual Properties
- Flovent is formulated as an aerosol or dry powder inhaler containing micronized fluticasone propionate particles (2.0 microns MMAD for HFA formulation) designed for pulmonary deposition 2
- The medication has negligible oral bioavailability (<1.5%) and is specifically engineered for lung tissue absorption, not dermal application 3
- Flovent has no adhesive properties whatsoever and would not help an ostomy appliance stick to skin 4, 5
Potential Confusion: Anti-Inflammatory Use vs. Adhesive Use
Documented Off-Label Use for Peristomal Inflammation
- A case series reported successful use of beclometasone (a different corticosteroid inhaler) sprayed onto inflamed peristomal skin to reduce inflammation without interfering with stoma bag adhesion 6
- This approach used the steroid's anti-inflammatory properties to treat the underlying inflammation, not as an adhesive 6
- The rationale was that dry powder aerosol application avoided the adhesion problems caused by steroid creams 6
Critical Distinction
- Using a steroid inhaler topically treats inflammation; it does not function as an adhesive 6
- After treating inflammation with such an approach, a proper stoma adhesive product would still be required for appliance adherence 1
Appropriate Management of Peristomal Issues
For Leakage Due to Poor Adhesion
- Use actual stoma adhesive powder or paste products designed for this purpose 1
- Apply barrier films to protect skin and improve appliance adherence 1
- Ensure proper appliance fit and technique 1
- Consider foam dressings rather than gauze for managing moisture (foam lifts drainage away from skin) 1
For Peristomal Inflammation With Secondary Adhesion Problems
- Address the underlying inflammation first (which may involve topical antifungals for fungal infections, antibiotics for bacterial infections, or potentially off-label topical corticosteroids) 1
- Once inflammation is controlled, proper adhesive products can be applied 1
- Consult wound and ostomy nurses who are invaluable resources for managing complex peristomal issues 1
Safety Concerns With Inappropriate Use
Risks of Misusing Flovent
- Chronic corticosteroid therapy (including topical application to large surface areas) increases infection risk at the stoma site 1
- Systemic absorption from inappropriate dermal application could theoretically occur, though fluticasone has low systemic bioavailability 5, 3
- Wasting expensive respiratory medication ($200-400+ per inhaler) on an inappropriate indication
- Delaying proper treatment with actual stoma care products 1
The bottom line: Flovent is not and cannot function as a stoma adhesive. If you are experiencing problems with ostomy appliance adherence, use products specifically designed for stoma care, and consult with a wound/ostomy nurse for proper management.