Smith & Nephew Opsite Flexigrid (6cmx7cm)

Smith & Nephew Opsite Flexigrid (6cmx7cm) is a sterile, transparent adhesive film dressing supplied in packs of 5, made primarily from a polyurethane film coated with an acrylic-based adhesive. Its defining feature is a printed grid pattern on the release liner and film, which acts as a placement and measurement guide so the dressing can be centred accurately over a wound before the liner is removed.

This is a non-medicine wound-care device made as a single-layer film rather than a dressing with a separate absorbent pad. It is fully transparent, and its thin, flexible construction allows it to move with the body over joints and other flexible areas.

Opsite Flexigrid works as a semi-permeable membrane: the polyurethane film’s microscopic pore structure blocks liquid water and bacteria from passing through from the outside, while still allowing water vapour and oxygen to move across it. The acrylic adhesive bonds to the surrounding intact skin without sticking to the tissue beneath the film, and the printed grid helps the user align and centre the film precisely before the paper backing is peeled away.

Clean the wound and ensure the surrounding skin is completely dry before use. Use the printed grid on the backing to line up the dressing centrally over the wound, then peel away the backing in sections while smoothing the film down from the centre outward, taking care not to stretch it, so it lies flat without wrinkles or trapped air. Leave the dressing in place undisturbed unless it lifts, leaks, or is due for a scheduled change, and remove gently by lifting one edge and peeling slowly.

• Not applicable — this is not a medicine.

Use before the expiry date printed on the pack. Each of the 5 dressings remains sterile only while its individual pouch is sealed and undamaged; discard any dressing whose pouch has been opened, torn, or exposed to moisture.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and excessive heat or humidity. Keep each unused dressing in its sealed individual pouch until immediately before application.

• Common: Mild, temporary skin redness or an outline mark where the adhesive film was in contact with the skin.
• Uncommon: Itching, irritation, or blistering under the film, particularly if it was stretched during application or worn longer than the wound can tolerate.

• Do not use on individuals with a known allergy or sensitivity to acrylic adhesives or polyurethane film.
• Avoid use on wounds with moderate-to-heavy discharge, as this film alone has limited absorbency; a dressing with an absorbent pad may be more suitable.
• Do not apply over an infected or actively bleeding wound without first seeking medical advice.

• Not applicable — this is not a medicine.

• Use the printed grid to centre the dressing accurately over the wound before removing the backing.
• Apply to clean, fully dry skin and avoid stretching the film as you smooth it on.
• This film has limited absorbency on its own; consider a padded dressing if more fluid needs to be absorbed.
• Check the wound periodically through the transparent film rather than removing it unnecessarily.
• Remove slowly, lifting from one edge, if the dressing needs to be changed.
• Keep unused dressings sealed in their pouches until needed.

Precautions: This film has limited absorbency and is not intended for heavily exuding or infected wounds; it should be applied to clean, dry, intact surrounding skin for the best adhesion. People with known adhesive sensitivities should check the skin around the film regularly for irritation.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Seek medical or pharmacist advice if the wound develops increasing pain, redness, swelling, or discharge, if fluid builds up excessively under the film, or if a skin reaction to the adhesive persists after the dressing is removed.