Aquacel ag

AQUACEL Ag with Hydrofiber (Aquacel Ag), silver impregnated antimicrobial dressing is a soft, sterile, non- woven pad or ribbon dressing composed of sodium carboxymethylcellulose and 1.2% ionic silver which allows for a maximum of 12mg of silver for a 4 inch x 4 inch dressing. The silver in the dressing kills wound bacteria held in the dressing. This dressing absorbs high amounts of wound fluid and bacteria and creates a soft, cohesive gel that intimately conforms to the wound surface, maintains a moist environment and aids in the removal of non-viable tissue from the wound (autolytic debridement). Moist wound healing environment and control of wound bacteria within the dressing supports the body’s healing process and helps reduce the risk of wound infection.

INDICATIONS
For over-the-counter use, Aquacel Ag may be used for:

minor abrasions
lacerations
minor cuts
minor scalds and burns

DIRECTIONS FOR USE
Before applying the dressing, cleanse the wound area with an appropriate wound cleanser.
Aquacel Ag should overlap 1cm ( ½ inch) onto the skin surrounding the wound.
When using Aquacel Ag ribbon in cavity wounds, leave at least 2.5cm (1 inch) outside the wound for easy retrieval.
This primary dressing should be used with a secondary cover dressing. Apply the dressing to the wound and cover with a moisture retentive dressing (e.g. DuoDERM, CarboFlex, CombiDERM), foam dressing, gauze, or other appropriate dressing. See individual cover dressing package inserts for complete instruction for use.

PRECAUTIONS AND OBSERVATIONS
Caution: Sterility is guaranteed unless pouch is damaged or opened prior to use. Single use only.
During the body’s normal healing process, non-viable tissue is removed from the wound (autolytic debridement), which could initially make the wound appear larger. If the wound continues to grow larger after the first few dressing changes, consult a health care professional. The wound should be inspected during dressing changes. Consult a healthcare professional if you see a) signs of infection (increased pain, increased redness, wound drainage), b) bleeding, c) a change in wound color and/or odor, d) irritation (increased redness and/or inflammation), e) maceration (skin whitening), f) hypergranulation (excessive tissue formation), g) sensitivity (allergic reaction), h) no signs of healing.
If you have difficulty removing the dressing, it should be soaked with water or sterile saline until it removes easily. (For partial thickness burns, please refer to the Partial Thickness Burns section of this package insert)
Because Aquacel Ag provides a moist environment that supports the growth of new blood vessels, the delicate newly formed blood vessels may occasionally produce blood stained wound fluid.
Aquacel Ag is not compatible with oil-based products, such as petrolatum.
Secondary dressings should be used as stated in the DIRECTIONS FOR USE .
When used in second degree burns, adherence of the dressing over joints could interfere with movement. In Aquacel clinical trials in second degree burns, this was, however, not shown to have any effect on the range of motion after healing was complete.