Convatec AQUACEL(r) Ag+ Dressings

• AQUACEL Ag+ Dressings, Aquacel(r) Ag, Aquacel(r) Ag Extra, and Aquacel(r) Ag Ribbon have been discontinued and are no longer available on Drug Tariff. They will replace with Aquacel(r) Ag+ Extra and Aquacel(r) Ag+ Ribbon.
• AQUACEL(r) AQUACEL (r) dressings act as primary dressings that contain antimicrobial properties for application on wounds susceptible to infection, are showing signs of infection, or where biofilm may be suspected.
• AQUACEL(r) AQUACEL(r) Ag+ dressings mix Hydrofiber(r) Technology with more than SILVER(tm) Technology. It is a unique antibiofilm ionic silver-containing formulation1.
• They are available in the form of AQUACEL(r) Ag+ Extra(tm) and AQUACEL(r) Ag+ Ribbon dressings.
• AQUACEL(r) Ag+ Extra(tm) dressing of two layers of Hydrofiber(tm) Technology stitched together, making it 9x more robust and 50 more absorbent than regular AQUACEL(r) dressing. Dressing.2*
• AQUACEL(r) The Ag+ ribbon dressing can also strengthen by stitch bonding and for cavities wounds.
• Combining Hydrofiber(r) technology and more than SILVER(tm) Technology was explicitly designed to overcome the obstacles to healing: exudates, infection, and biofilm.

INDICATIONS

AQUACEL(r) Ag+ Dressings used for:

• Leg ulcers, including
• Venous stasis ulcers
• Arterial ulcers
• Leg ulcers with mixed etiology
• Diabetic foot ulcers
• Pressure ulcers/injuries
• Surgical wounds
• Traumatic wounds
• Malignant wounds
• Burns with partial thickness (AQUACEL(r) AG+ Extra Only)

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

• • Before putting on the dressing, wash the area of the wound with an appropriate cleanser for wounds.
  • Aquacel(tm) Ag+ EXTRA(tm) Dressings must be able to overlap by at least 1cm over the skin that surrounds the cut.
  • When you are using Aquacel(tm) Ag+ EXTRA(tm) Dressings for deep wounds, cover the injury to 80% since Aquacel(tm) Ag+ EXTRA(tm) Dressings expand to fill the damage when they come into contact with the wound fluid.
  • A second dressing is required to keep Aquacel(tm) Ag+ EXTRA(tm) Dressings in place, including:
    • A water-retentive cover dressing, such as DuoDERM(tm) Extra Thin, is a good choice for moderately to lightly bleeding wounds.
    • A cover dressing is a second option similar to Aquacel(tm) Foam or ConvaMax(tm) for moderate to severe bleeding wounds.
    • To treat dry injuries, see the section on dry wounds below.
  • Check the individual inserts to cover dressing packages for complete instructions on usage.
  • All wounds must be examined frequently. Take off all Aquacel(tm) Ag+ EXTRA(tm) dressings only when indicated by a physician (i.e., bleeding that is excessive, leakage, or pain) or after seven days of maximum.
• FOR PARTIAL THICKNESS (SECOND-DEGREE) BURNS:
  • Wash the wound area using a suitable wound cleanser when applying the dressing.
  • Aquacel(tm) Ag+ EXTRA(tm) Dressings must overlap at least 5 centimeters over the skin around the burn or any other nearby Aquacel(tm) Adhesive EXTRA(tm) dressings.
  • Aquacel(tm) Ag + EXTRA(tm) Dressings must be covered with a sterilized absorbent pad and then secured with surgical tape or bandage for retention.
  • Please remove the cover dressing regularly and examine it for any Aquacel(tm) Ag+ EXTRA(tm) Dressings while it is in place over the burned area.
  • In this instance, adhesion with the skin bed Aquacel(tm) Ag+ EXTRA(tm) Dressings is a desired characteristic.
  • When the burn wound regenerates, the Aquacel(tm) Ag+ EXTRA(tm) Dressings will detach or be removed easily.
  • In the case of small-sized thick burns (second-degree burns), Aquacel(tm) Ag+ EXTRA(tm) Dressings can remain on for 14 to 15 days or up until the clinical indication is made. When the burned area is infected, frequent wound examination might be necessary.
• FOR DRY WOUNDS
  • Then, moisten your Aquacel(tm) Ag+ EXTRA(tm) Dressings by soaking them in sterilized saline before applying dressings to the injured area. Its gelling capabilities in Aquacel(tm) Ag+ EXTRA(tm) Dressings can help keep the wound moist and decrease the chance of maceration.
  • Dress the wound with a moisturizing dressing like DuoDERM(tm) Extra Thin to prevent drying from the dressing and further adhesion on the injury site.
  • If, upon removal, the dressing appears dry, it is recommended to hydrate the dressing with sterile saline before disposal in order to minimize the chance of trauma.
• Keep at room temperature (10degC, 25degC – 77degF – 50degF). Keep dry

AQUACEL Ag dressings are antimicrobial primary dressings for use in wounds that are infected or at risk of infection. They are  designed to manage the 3 key local barriers to healing – exudate, infection and biofilm. AQUACEL Ag+ dressings incorporate proven Hydrofiber Technology and Ag+ Technology – a unique ionic silver-containing, antibiofilm formulation. AQUACEL Ag+ dressings are available as AQUACEL Ag+ Extra and AQUACEL Ag+ Ribbon dressings.

AQUACEL Ag+ Extra dressing is comprised of 2 layers of Hydrofiber Technology stitch bonded together making it 9x stronger and 50% more absorbent than standard AQUACEL Ag dressing.

AQUACEL Ag+ Extra dressing my be used for the management of:

• wounds as a barrier to bacterial penetration of the dressing as this may help reduce infection;
• wounds where there is an infection or an increased risk of infection (Extra only);
• diabetic foot ulcers, leg ulcers, (venous stasis ulcers, arterial ulcers and leg ulcers of mixed aetiology) and pressure ulcers/sores (partial & full thickness);
• surgical wounds;
• traumatic wounds;
• wounds that are prone to bleeding, such as wounds that have been mechanically or surgically debrided;
• oncology wounds with exudate, such as fungoides-cutaneous tumors, fungating carcinoma, cutaneous metastasis, Kaposi’s sarcoma, and angiosarcoma;
• wounds where bacteria are a suspected cause of (or a factor in) chronicity /non-progression.

AQUACEL Ag+ dressings comprise two powerful technologies working synergistically to manage the key local barriers to wound healing – exudate, infection and biofilm.

Ag+ Technology  is a unique ionic silver-containing, antibiofilm formulation that:

• Disrupts and beaks down biofilm slime to expose bacteria.
• Kills a broad spectrum of bacteria, including antibiotic resistant superbugs, with its reservoir of silver.
• prevents biofilm formation

Hydrofiber Technology helps create an ideal environment for healing – and for Ag+ Technology to work:

• Locks in excess exudate, bacteria and biofilm to help minimise cross infection and prevent maceration
• Micro contours to the wound bed, maintaining optimal moisture balance and eliminating dead spaces where bacteria and biofilm can grow
• responds to wound conditions by forming a cohesive gel, while helping to minimise pain associated with dressing changes

AQUACEL Ag+ Dressings FAQs:

1. 1. What kinds of wounds can be treated with the AQUACEL Dressings made of Ag+? AQUACEL Ag+ dressings are highly flexible and can be used for various types of injuries, such as surgical wounds, leg ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, and traumatized wounds.
   2. Are dressings made of AQUACEL Ag+ suitable for use? Yes, the dressings made of AQUACEL Ag+ are eligible to use if applied correctly. However, they are not recommended for patients with known allergies to silver or for use for third-degree burns.
   3. What is the recommended frequency to replace the AQUACEL Agand dressings? The recommended frequency for change will depend on the wound’s state and a healthcare professional’s assessment. The general rule is that these dressings will remain in place for a few days. However, individual situations could differ.
   4. Can AQUACEL’s Ag+-based dressings assist in the reduction of odor from wounds? Yes, the antimicrobial qualities that AQUACEL Ag+ dressings have aid in reducing the smell of injuries, which can lead to a more effortless healing experience on the part of patients.
   5. Do AQUACEL dressings simple to take off? Yes, they are, as they are non-adhesive and are designed to be painless in dressing changes, which minimizes damage to the bed of wounds.
   6. What does the shelf life last for the AQUACEL Ag+ dressings? The typical shelf life for AQUACEL Ag+ dressings runs 2 years from manufacturing. Always verify the label for the expiration date.