BIATAIN AG ADHESIVE

Managing wound infection and exudate simultaneously in a self-contained adhesive dressing reduces complexity for both clinicians and patients. Biatain Ag Adhesive is a silver-containing self-adhesive foam dressing from Coloplast. It combines ionic silver antimicrobial activity with the exudate management and moist wound healing properties of polyurethane foam, in a self-contained format with an integrated adhesive border. It is the antimicrobial version of Biatain Adhesive Foam, indicated for infected or at-risk wounds where both silver antimicrobial management and foam exudate absorption are clinically useful. Available in 12.5cm x 12.5cm. No prescription is required.

Biatain Ag Adhesive is a regulated Class IIb medical device from Coloplast. It is the silver-containing equivalent of Biatain Adhesive Foam within the Biatain range. The construction is the same as Biatain Adhesive Foam, a non-adherent wound contact surface, a hydrocellular foam absorbent core, a moisture vapour permeable film backing, and an integrated adhesive border, with the addition of ionic silver within the foam to provide antimicrobial activity at the wound contact surface.

The "Ag" in the product name is the chemical symbol for silver. Ionic silver is released from the foam as wound exudate contacts the dressing, providing sustained local antimicrobial activity throughout the wear period. Silver ions disrupt bacterial cell membranes, interfere with bacterial enzyme systems, and prevent DNA replication, providing broad-spectrum activity against wound pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida species.

Biatain Ag Adhesive is the appropriate choice when the clinical need is foam exudate management with antimicrobial silver coverage in a self-adhesive format. For clean wounds where infection is not a concern, Biatain Adhesive Foam provides the same foam and adhesive border construction without silver.

Biatain Ag Adhesive is indicated for use on infected or at risk moderately to heavily exuding wounds including pressure ulcers, venous leg ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, post-operative wounds, and other acute and chronic wounds where local silver antimicrobial management is clinically indicated.

Silver containing dressings including Biatain Ag Adhesive can cause grey or blue grey discolouration of the wound bed and periwound skin due to silver deposition (argyria). This is expected, localised, and generally reversible when silver dressing use is discontinued. Biatain Ag Adhesive is not a substitute for systemic antibiotic therapy where there is spreading cellulitis, systemic infection, or sepsis.

Ionic Silver Antimicrobial Action

Ionic silver is released from the foam as wound exudate contacts the dressing. Silver ions act through multiple mechanisms: disrupting bacterial cell membranes by binding to membrane proteins, interfering with the enzyme systems bacteria require for metabolism and replication, and preventing bacterial DNA replication. This multi-mechanism action provides broad-spectrum antimicrobial coverage against a range of wound pathogens. The silver is delivered locally at the wound surface and is not absorbed systemically in clinically significant amounts.

Foam Exudate Absorption

The hydrocellular foam core absorbs wound exudate and retains it within the foam structure away from the wound. This prevents pooling of exudate at the wound bed, reduces maceration of the periwound skin, and maintains a moist wound healing environment at the wound contact surface. The foam provides cushioning over the wound and retains absorbed exudate under light compression.

Non Adherent Wound Contact Surface

The wound contact surface is non adherent to the wound bed, allowing the dressing to be removed without causing significant trauma to wound tissue. This is clinically important for infected or at-risk wounds where regular dressing changes for wound assessment are needed, a non-adherent contact surface reduces pain and wound disruption at each change.

Integrated Adhesive Border and Film Backing

The integrated adhesive border holds the dressing in position without a secondary dressing. The moisture vapour permeable film backing allows moisture vapour to evaporate while remaining waterproof to external fluids. Patients can shower with the dressing in place. Check border adhesion after showering and replace if the border has lifted.

Before Application

• Wash hands and use appropriate gloves.
• Clean the wound with sterile saline or as directed by a healthcare professional.
• Dry the periwound skin. The adhesive border requires dry intact periwound skin.
• Do not apply creams, lotions, or oil-based products to the area where the border will contact the skin — these impair silver ion release and border adhesion.

Application

• Position the 12.5cm x 12.5cm dressing over the wound so the foam pad covers the wound bed and the adhesive border rests on intact periwound skin.
• Remove the release liner and press the border firmly onto the surrounding skin.
• No secondary dressing is required.
• Label with the date and time of application.

Wear Time and Removal

• Biatain Ag Adhesive can be worn for up to seven days depending on exudate levels and wound condition.
• Change when exudate approaches the border, the border lifts, or clinical assessment indicates a change is needed.
• Lift one corner of the border and peel slowly back parallel to the skin surface. Support the periwound skin with the other hand.
• Reassess the wound at each change. Silver dressings are typically used for up to two to four weeks before clinical review. Seek guidance on when to step down to a non silver dressing.
• Silver dressings should be reviewed clinically after two to four weeks of use. Prolonged silver dressing use without reassessment is not recommended. Once the wound shows signs of progression toward healing and infection is no longer a concern, stepping down to Biatain Adhesive Foam or another non-silver dressing is appropriate.

Biatain Ag Adhesive 12.5cm x 12.5cm

Biatain Ag Adhesive is available in a single size of 12.5cm x 12.5cm. This medium-large size provides adequate foam pad coverage for moderate-sized infected or at-risk wounds including smaller to moderate pressure ulcers, diabetic foot wounds, and venous leg ulcer areas where silver antimicrobial management is clinically indicated.

When applying, ensure the foam pad covers the entire wound bed and the adhesive border rests on intact periwound skin on all sides. If the wound is larger than the foam pad coverage area, seek clinical guidance on the most appropriate dressing approach.

Contraindications

• Known sensitivity or allergy to silver or any component of the dressing.
• Do not use on dry or minimally exuding wounds.
• Do not use in conjunction with oil-based topical products directly under the dressing as these impair silver ion release.

Precautions

• Single use product. Do not reuse or reapply.
• Silver containing dressings may cause grey or blue grey discolouration (argyria) of the wound bed and periwound skin. Expected, localised, and reversible. Inform patients before treatment.
• Review silver dressing use after two to four weeks. Step down to a non silver dressing when infection is no longer a clinical concern.
• Biatain Ag Adhesive is not a substitute for systemic antibiotic therapy in spreading cellulitis or systemic infection.
• Use with caution on fragile periwound skin where adhesive borders may cause trauma at removal.
• Do not use MRI scanning with the dressing in place.

Adverse Effects

• Grey or blue grey wound and periwound discolouration from silver deposition. Expected and reversible.
• Skin sensitivity or irritation at the adhesive border. Discontinue if persistent.
• Wound desiccation if exudate falls significantly. Reassess dressing choice.

Biatain Ag Adhesive Is Suitable For

• Infected or at risk moderately to heavily exuding wounds where local silver antimicrobial management and self-adhesive foam exudate absorption are both clinically indicated
• Moderate-sized wound areas covered by the 12.5cm x 12.5cm format
• Patients who benefit from a self-contained silver dressing without separate secondary fixation
• Adults and children under healthcare professional supervision

Both are self-adhesive polyurethane foam dressings with integrated adhesive borders from Coloplast. Biatain Ag Adhesive contains ionic silver for antimicrobial infection management. Biatain Adhesive Foam contains no silver. Choose Biatain Ag Adhesive when the wound is infected or at significant risk of infection. Choose Biatain Adhesive Foam when the wound is clean and silver antimicrobial management is not indicated. Both are self-contained without a secondary dressing.

Biatain Ag Adhesive is a regulated medical device and does not require a prescription. It can be purchased directly through Pharmacy Planet without a clinical consultation. It is available in the single size of 12.5cm x 12.5cm.

Pharmacy Planet stocks Biatain Ag Adhesive alongside Biatain Adhesive Foam, Biatain Adhesive, and Biatain Adhesive Alginate. Our pharmacists can advise on the most appropriate Biatain format for a specific wound.

For complex or infected wounds, seek clinical assessment from a tissue viability nurse, district nurse, or GP alongside your dressing purchase.

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.
• Store below 25°C.
• Keep in the original sealed packaging until immediately before use.
• Each dressing is individually sterile packed. Do not use if the packaging is damaged or compromised.
• Check the expiry date before use. Do not use after the expiry date.
• Once opened, apply immediately.
• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Dispose of used dressings as clinical waste in accordance with local guidelines.

Pharmacy Planet is a GPhC registered online pharmacy providing access to Biatain Ag Adhesive alongside the full Biatain range and a comprehensive selection of wound care products. All products are genuine and sourced through regulated supply chains.

Our pharmacists are available to advise on whether Biatain Ag Adhesive or another silver dressing format is most appropriate for a specific wound, and on when clinical referral is appropriate.

References

1. Coloplast. Biatain Ag Adhesive Dressing — Instructions for Use. Coloplast Ltd. https://www.coloplast.co.uk. Accessed May 2026.
2. World Union of Wound Healing Societies (WUWHS). Antimicrobials and non-healing wounds: evidence, controversies and suggestions. https://wuwhs.net. Accessed May 2026.
3. Wounds UK. Best Practice Statement: Wound exudate — effective assessment and management. https://www.wounds-uk.com. Accessed May 2026.
4. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Wound care products — Drug Tariff prescribing and selection. https://www.nice.org.uk. Accessed May 2026.