ALLEVYN Ag Adhesive is a sterile, self-adhesive antimicrobial foam dressing containing silver sulfadiazine (SSD), designed for the management of exuding acute and chronic wounds where infection is present or antimicrobial protection is clinically required. The dressing combines an absorbent hydrocellular polyurethane foam core containing silver sulfadiazine, an adhesive wound-contact layer and a breathable waterproof outer film. The foam absorbs and retains wound exudate while maintaining a moist wound environment, while silver is released from the silver sulfadiazine to provide sustained broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Smith+Nephew reports antimicrobial activity for up to 7 days in vitro, including activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and antibiotic-resistant organisms such as MRSA and VRE. Key features: Self-adhesive antimicrobial foam dressing Contains silver sulfadiazine (SSD) Current Smith+Nephew safety information describes the polyurethane foam as containing 5% silver sulfadiazine Provides sustained release of silver Broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity In-vitro antimicrobial activity for up to 7 days Demonstrated activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, yeasts and fungi Active in vitro against organisms including MRSA, Pseudomonas and VRE Highly absorbent hydrocellular polyurethane foam core Absorbs and retains wound exudate Helps maintain a moist wound-healing environment Breathable outer film allows moisture vapour transmission Outer film provides a barrier against external bacterial contamination while intact Adhesive border helps keep the dressing securely in position Does not adhere to the moist wound bed Conformable to body contours Can be cut to fit awkward anatomical areas Can remain in place for up to 7 days, depending on wound condition and exudate Sterile Single use Suitable for: ALLEVYN Ag Adhesive is intended for the management of exuding partial- and full-thickness acute and chronic wounds, particularly where antimicrobial management is required, including: Pressure ulcers Venous leg ulcers Diabetic ulcers Surgical wounds Surgically dehisced wounds Donor sites Burns Fungating wounds Malignant wounds Shallow granulating wounds Infected wounds When used on an infected wound, the wound should also be assessed and treated according to the appropriate local infection-management protocol. Composition: ALLEVYN Ag Adhesive has a three-layer construction consisting of: A perforated adhesive wound-contact layer An absorbent hydrocellular polyurethane foam core containing silver sulfadiazine A breathable, waterproof outer film Current Smith+Nephew safety information specifies that the polyurethane foam contains 5% silver sulfadiazine. The silver sulfadiazine within the foam provides sustained release of silver into the moist wound environment, giving the dressing its antimicrobial activity. How to use: Cleanse the wound according to the recommended wound-care protocol. Prepare and clean the surrounding skin and remove excess moisture. Clip excess hair if necessary to allow good dressing contact. Select a dressing where the absorbent pad adequately covers the complete wound surface. Remove the dressing from its sterile packaging using a clean or aseptic technique. Remove one section of the protective film and anchor the adhesive side of the dressing to the surrounding skin. Remove the remaining protective film and gently smooth the dressing over the wound without stretching it and without creating creases. Ensure that the absorbent pad covers and contacts the entire wound. ALLEVYN Ag Adhesive can be cut to fit awkward areas such as elbows or heels. If the dressing is cut, cover exposed foam edges with an appropriate film dressing while ensuring the entire dressing is not occluded. Dressing change frequency: ALLEVYN Ag Adhesive may remain in place for up to 7 days, depending on: Amount of wound exudate Condition of the wound Infection status Condition of the surrounding skin Clinical assessment Change the dressing earlier if exudate becomes visible and approaches approximately 0.5cm from the edge of the absorbent pad, or if leakage, loss of adhesion or another clinical indication for dressing change occurs. During the early stages of treatment, and particularly when treating an infected wound, the wound should be inspected regularly according to the local clinical protocol. Available UK sizes: 7.5cm × 7.5cm – pack of 10Wound contact pad: 5cm × 5cmPIP Code: 333-1352NHS Code: ELA344Smith+Nephew Code: 66800073 10cm × 10cm – pack of 10Wound contact pad: 7.5cm × 7.5cmPIP Code: 333-1147NHS Code: ELA345Smith+Nephew Code: 66800075 12.5cm × 12.5cm – pack of 10Wound contact pad: 10cm × 10cmPIP Code: 333-1154NHS Code: ELA347Smith+Nephew Code: 66800078 17.5cm × 17.5cm – pack of 10Wound contact pad: 15cm × 15cmPIP Code: 333-1162NHS Code: ELA350Smith+Nephew Code: 66800081 These four square presentations remain listed in the UK NHS Drug Tariff and current NHS dm+d data. ALLEVYN Ag Sacrum is also available as a related anatomically shaped adhesive silver dressing: 17cm × 17cm – pack of 10Wound contact pad: 13cm × 13cmPIP Code: 333-1295NHS Code: ELA349Smith+Nephew Code: 66800094 22cm × 22cm – pack of 10Wound contact pad: 18cm × 18cmPIP Code: 333-1394NHS Code: ELA352Smith+Nephew Code: 66800097 Sacral dressings have a maximum recommended wear time of up to 5 days, rather than 7 days, because of the increased risk of contamination in this area. Important information: Do not use ALLEVYN Ag Adhesive in people with a known hypersensitivity to silver sulfadiazine or sulfonamides. Because the dressing contains silver sulfadiazine, manufacturer information advises that it should not be used: In premature infants In newborn infants during the first months of life In women at or near term pregnancy During breastfeeding These restrictions relate to the sulfonamide component of silver sulfadiazine and the risk of kernicterus in susceptible infants. Do not use with oxidising agents such as hydrogen peroxide or hypochlorite solutions, as these can damage the absorbent polyurethane foam. ALLEVYN Ag Adhesive may not be compatible with other topical antimicrobial treatments. Topical silver treatment does not replace systemic antimicrobial therapy or other appropriate infection treatment where this is clinically required. As with other adhesive dressings, irritation or maceration of the surrounding skin may occasionally occur. Monitor the wound and peri-wound skin regularly. Do not reuse or re-sterilise. Do not use if the sterile packaging is damaged or already open. Product type: Adhesive antimicrobial polyurethane foam dressing Antimicrobial: Silver sulfadiazine (SSD) SSD content: 5% within the polyurethane foam Dressing construction: Three-layer hydrocellular foam dressing Wound type: Exuding acute and chronic wounds Suitable for infected wounds: Yes, as part of an appropriate infection-management protocol Maximum wear time: Up to 7 days Sacral maximum wear time: Up to 5 days Adhesive: Yes Additional fixation required: Generally no Can be cut: Yes Sterility: Sterile Single use: Yes Available standard sizes: 7.5cm × 7.5cm / 10cm × 10cm / 12.5cm × 12.5cm / 17.5cm × 17.5cm Pack size: 10 dressings Manufacturer: Smith+Nephew Always follow the instructions supplied with the dressing and the wound-care advice provided by your doctor, nurse or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional. Product Information Leaflet
