Convatec Duoderm Hydroactive Gel

Convatec Duoderm Hydroactive Gel is a sterile, clear, viscous hydrogel made by ConvaTec, a company with a long history in advanced wound-care products. The gel is composed of natural hydrocolloids, namely sodium carboxymethylcellulose and pectin, dispersed in a vehicle of water and propylene glycol. It is supplied in a small tube of 15g, and the tube contents are sterilised during manufacture.

The formulation is preservative-free and is manufactured without latex, phthalates (DEHP), or any material of animal or biological origin, which is worth noting because a different product in the same DuoDERM family, the hydrocolloid dressing, does contain gelatin. Because the gel is a hydrogel rather than a dressing, it is intended to be used together with a suitable secondary dressing that holds it in place, rather than on its own. The choice of secondary dressing is usually made by the healthcare professional supervising the wound.

This product is sold as an advanced wound-care product and is generally used as part of a wound-care plan guided by a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Its clear, spreadable consistency makes it easy to place into the wound bed with the tube nozzle, and the tube should not be re-sterilised after opening. Pack size and availability may vary, so check the label of the pack you receive.

Wash your hands and prepare the wound as instructed by your healthcare professional before applying the gel. Apply the gel directly to the wound bed from the tube, taking care that the nozzle does not touch the wound or surrounding skin, then cover with a suitable secondary dressing to keep the gel in place. Follow the instructions supplied with the pack and the guidance of the healthcare professional supervising the wound.

Use one tube for one person only. Do not re-sterilise the tube, and do not use the gel if the tube is damaged or the contents look discoloured or contaminated.

This is a wound-care product rather than a medicine taken by dose. Apply a layer of gel to the wound bed and change it with the secondary dressing according to the condition of the wound and the guidance of the supervising healthcare professional; do not apply more often than advised.

Store in a cool, dry place at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat. Check the pack label for any specific storage conditions.

• Common: Mild stinging or tingling at the wound site when the gel is first applied.
• Common: Temporary redness of the skin around the wound.
• Common: A slight warming sensation during application.
• Serious: Signs of an allergic reaction, or signs of a worsening wound infection such as increasing pain, spreading redness, warmth, swelling, fever, or pus, which need prompt medical attention.

• Do not use if allergic to sodium carboxymethylcellulose, pectin, propylene glycol, or any other component of the gel.
• Use on an infected wound only under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
• Do not use if the tube is damaged or if the gel appears discoloured or contaminated.

• No drug or food interactions are known for this topical gel.
• Discuss with a healthcare professional before using other topical medicines or wound products on the same wound, as combined use may affect how the dressing performs.

• Have the wound assessed by a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist before starting this gel, especially for chronic or slow-healing wounds.
• Keep the tube nozzle clean and avoid touching the wound with it.
• Always cover the gel with a suitable secondary dressing.
• Use each tube for one person only and do not re-sterilise it.
• Keep a note of dressing-change dates to share with your healthcare provider.
• Store unopened tubes away from heat and direct sunlight.

Precautions: For external use on wounds only. This gel is normally used as part of a wound-care plan supervised by a healthcare professional and is not a replacement for medical assessment of a wound that is not healing or is getting worse. Use on infected wounds only under professional supervision. Keep out of reach of children.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Seek medical advice before first use if the wound has not been assessed, and promptly if the wound shows signs of infection, such as increasing pain, redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge, if a fever develops, or if the wound does not progress as expected.