Mepilex Ag Antimicrobial Soft Silicone Foam Dressing

Mepilex Ag is a sterile, antimicrobial soft silicone foam dressing containing silver sulphate, designed for the management of low to moderately exuding wounds where antimicrobial action is clinically indicated.

The dressing combines Mölnlycke's Safetac® soft silicone wound-contact layer with a flexible absorbent polyurethane foam containing silver sulphate and activated carbon. A breathable waterproof outer film helps protect the wound while maintaining a moist wound-healing environment.

On contact with wound fluid, silver ions are released to provide antimicrobial activity against a broad range of wound-related bacteria and fungi.

Key features:

• Antimicrobial soft silicone foam dressing
• Non-bordered
• Contains silver sulphate
• Silver content equivalent to approximately 1.2mg silver/cm²
• Broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity demonstrated in vitro
• Antimicrobial activity demonstrated for up to 7 days in vitro
• Helps create an effective bacterial barrier
• May help reduce wound odour by reducing microorganisms
• Safetac soft silicone wound-contact layer
• Designed to minimise pain and trauma during dressing changes
• Flexible polyurethane foam
• Contains activated carbon
• Highly conformable
• Absorbs wound exudate
• Maintains a moist wound-healing environment
• Breathable waterproof outer film
• Can be cut to size
• Suitable under compression therapy where clinically indicated
• Requires suitable fixation because it has no adhesive border
• Maximum wear time up to 7 days
• Intended for short-term antimicrobial treatment for up to 4 weeks before clinical reassessment
• Sterile
• Single use
• Medical device

Dressing construction

Mepilex Ag consists of:

• Safetac soft silicone wound-contact layer
• Flexible absorbent grey polyurethane foam
• Silver sulphate
• Activated carbon
• Breathable waterproof outer film

The silver sulphate provides approximately:

1.2mg silver/cm²

Safetac Technology

Safetac is Mölnlycke's soft silicone adhesive technology.

It is designed to:

• Adhere gently to dry surrounding skin
• Minimise adherence to the moist wound surface
• Reduce trauma to newly formed tissue
• Reduce skin stripping during removal
• Help minimise pain during dressing changes
• Help seal the wound margins and reduce movement of exudate onto surrounding skin

Unlike Mepilex Border Ag, standard Mepilex Ag does not have a full adhesive border, so additional fixation may be required.

Antimicrobial action

Mepilex Ag contains silver sulphate which releases silver ions in the presence of wound fluid.

The dressing has demonstrated in-vitro activity against a wide range of wound-related:

• Bacteria
• Fungi

Mölnlycke reports antimicrobial activity for up to 7 days in vitro.

By helping reduce microorganisms within the wound environment, Mepilex Ag may also help reduce wound malodour.

Silver dressings should be used where there is a clinical indication for antimicrobial treatment rather than routinely on all wounds.

Suitable wound types

Mepilex Ag is designed for low to moderately exuding wounds, including:

• Leg ulcers
• Foot ulcers
• Pressure ulcers / pressure injuries
• Partial-thickness burns
• Other suitable exuding wounds where antimicrobial management is required

Mepilex Ag may also be used on infected wounds as part of an overall treatment regimen under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.

The underlying cause of chronic wounds should also be appropriately managed.

For example:

• Venous leg ulcers may require compression therapy
• Diabetic foot ulcers may require off-loading
• Pressure injuries require pressure redistribution
• Arterial or mixed-aetiology wounds require appropriate vascular assessment

How to use

Mepilex Ag should be used by, or under the supervision of, an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

1. Cleanse the wound using saline solution or water according to standard clinical practice.
2. Dry the surrounding skin thoroughly.
3. Select an appropriate dressing size.
4. Ensure the dressing covers the wound bed and overlaps the wound margins.
5. If necessary, cut Mepilex Ag to the required size or shape.
6. Remove the protective release films.
7. Apply the Safetac adherent side towards the wound.
8. Do not stretch the dressing during application.
9. Secure with an appropriate:
   • Retention bandage
   • Tubular bandage
   • Medical tape
   • Other suitable fixation system

Recommended overlap

For effective exudate management and protection of the surrounding skin, the dressing should extend beyond the wound margins.

Manufacturer guidance recommends approximately:

• 1–2cm overlap for smaller dressings
• Around 5cm overlap for larger dressings

where clinically practical.

Use under compression

Mepilex Ag can be used beneath compression bandaging where compression has been clinically indicated.

This may be appropriate for suitable venous leg ulcers after appropriate vascular assessment.

Mepilex Ag itself does not provide compression.

Dressing changes

Mepilex Ag may remain in place for up to:

7 days

depending on:

• Wound condition
• Exudate level
• Condition of the surrounding skin
• Infection status
• Clinical judgement

Change sooner if:

• The dressing becomes saturated
• Leakage develops
• The dressing becomes displaced
• Exudate increases significantly
• The wound requires reassessment
• Infection worsens

An initial increase in exudate may sometimes occur after changing wound-treatment regimens and may require more frequent dressing changes temporarily.

Duration of silver treatment

Mepilex Ag is intended for short-term use for up to 4 weeks.

If silver treatment is required beyond this period, the wound and continued need for antimicrobial treatment should be clinically reassessed.

Silver dressings should not normally be continued indefinitely without review.

Infection

Mepilex Ag may form part of the management of an infected wound, but it does not replace appropriate systemic or other infection treatment when required.

Seek clinical assessment if there is:

• Increasing redness
• Swelling
• Increasing pain
• Heat
• Purulent discharge
• Offensive odour
• Fever
• Spreading inflammation
• Rapid wound deterioration

Contraindications and precautions

Do not use Mepilex Ag in patients with known hypersensitivity to:

• Silver
• Silicone
• Polyurethane
• Any other dressing component

There are limited data on prolonged or repeated use of silver-containing dressings, particularly in:

• Children
• Neonates

Frequent or prolonged silver exposure may result in temporary or permanent skin discolouration.

Radiation and diagnostic procedures

If Mepilex Ag is located within an area receiving radiation therapy, remove it before treatment.

A new dressing may be applied afterwards.

Follow local protocols regarding silver dressings during imaging or electrical procedures.

Oxidising wound cleansers

Do not use Mepilex Ag together with oxidising agents such as:

• Hydrogen peroxide
• Hypochlorite solutions

Compatibility with wound cleansers other than saline solution or water and with other topical treatments has not been established.

Important information

Mepilex Ag is for external use only.

Do not:

• Reuse
• Re-sterilise
• Use if the sterile barrier is damaged or already opened
• Use beyond the stated expiry date

Storage

• Store in dry conditions
• Store below 25°C
• Protect from direct sunlight
• Keep in the original packaging until required

Product type: Antimicrobial Non-Bordered Soft Silicone Foam Dressing

Wound-contact technology: Safetac®

Foam: Polyurethane

Antimicrobial component: Silver sulphate

Silver content: Approximately 1.2mg/cm²

Contains activated carbon: Yes

Exudate level: Low to moderate

Antimicrobial: Yes

Adhesive border: No

Can be cut: Yes

Additional fixation required: Usually yes

Suitable under compression: Yes, where clinically indicated

Maximum dressing wear time: Up to 7 days

Recommended short-term treatment period: Up to 4 weeks before reassessment

Sterile: Yes

Single use: Yes

Current UK sizes and codes

Mepilex Ag – 10cm × 10cm

• Pack size: 5 dressings
• Mölnlycke REF: 287110
• PIP code: 331-4986
• NHS / NPC code: ELA339
• BNF / dm+d code: 20030900056

Mepilex Ag – 10cm × 20cm

• Pack size: 5 dressings
• Mölnlycke REF: 287210
• PIP code: 331-5009
• NHS / NPC code: ELA340
• BNF / dm+d code: 20030900057

Mepilex Ag – 15cm × 15cm

• Pack size: 5 dressings
• Mölnlycke REF: 287310
• PIP code: 331-5025
• NHS / NPC code: ELA341
• BNF / dm+d code: 20030900058

Mepilex Ag – 20cm × 20cm

• Pack size: 5 dressings
• Mölnlycke REF: 287410
• PIP code: 331-5033
• NHS / NPC code: ELA342
• BNF / dm+d code: 20030900059

Mepilex Ag – 20cm × 50cm

• Pack size: 2 dressings
• Mölnlycke REF: 287510
• PIP code: 354-3493
• NHS / NPC code: ELA649
• BNF / dm+d code: 20030900044

Manufacturer: Mölnlycke Health Care

Mepilex Ag should be selected according to wound type, exudate level and the clinical need for antimicrobial treatment. Infected, diabetic, vascular, burn or otherwise complex wounds should be assessed and monitored by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

Product Information Leaflet