Product Information
Abilar has been shown in scientific testing to be highly antimicrobial against common wound pathogens including MRSA and VRE. It is capable of deactivating and preventing the appearance of biofilms, exhibits anti-inflammatory properties and promotes re-epithelialisation of wounds.
The source material that produces colophony is not the same as that which produces Abilar.
Rosin (colophony) is manufactured from liquid sap resin which is heated in its production process. Heating of resin can denature some components of the product, producing tars etc. that can have deleterious effects on the skin.
By contrast, the resin used to create Abilar is not produced from the liquid sap resin which exudes from a wound in the tree but from hardened sap which is collected several weeks or months after it has been exuded from the tree wound. This means that some of the volatile elements of the resin have evaporated and some of the other components of the tree are added to it.
Abilar production involves no heating of the resin whatsoever so there is no potential to create allergens which are quite commonly seen in colophony use.
All these claims are supported by laboratory and published clinical trial data. See reference section.
Abilar possess the wide-range antimicrobial properties against the common gram+ and gram- bacteria, as well as certain species of yeasts and fungi. Abilar is antibacterial e.g. against MRSA and VRE pathogens.
Abilar is not labelled as being “sterile” in that it has not undergone any external sterilisation process. However the product is self-preserving due to its antimicrobial activity and is suitable for reuse over a 12 month period.
No, there have not been any reports of bacterial resistance.
In vitro studies using a recognised method of assessing effectiveness of agents against biofilm have demonstrated that Abilar has the ability to both eradicate existing biofilm and prevent its regrowth.
Abilar is not haemostatic.
Yes. Abilar reduces bacterial load in the wound and reduces the expression of certain pro-inflammatory cytokines. In other words, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it enhances the wound healing strongly in the inflammatory stage.
In addition to the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, Abilar strongly enhances the epithelialization. The effect on hypergranulation has not been studied so far.
Children’s wounds tend to heal without the need to resort to antimicrobial products. However in certain circumstances they are required and there is no contra-indication on the use of Abilar in children.
No. Abilar has been successfully used in children and in adults aged over 100 years.
Yes, diabetic patients can use Abilar to treat diabetic wounds.
When a tree is damaged it produces a sticky resin to plug the wound and protect the tree from infection. Over a period of 3 or more years this resin seals the tree wound. At this time the resin is harvested by hand.
To purify the resin it must be separated from dirt and bark chippings, collected with it in the harvesting process. This is done by a patented method at low temperature which prevents the production of potentially hazardous tars.
Abilar contains a mixture of 10% resin salve combined with a standard pharmaceutical ointment which has been designed to mimic the consistency of the traditional home-made product which was mixed with butter or lard. Tests have shown that the pharmaceutically prepared form of the product exhibits all the efficacy of the home-made version. For a full ingredient listing please refer to the pack.
As the resin within the salve exhibits both antibacterial and antifungal properties there is no need for a preservative system in Abilar. This means that the product has a 5 year shelf life when unopened and a 12 month “in use” shelf life. However, Abilar is intended for use on a single patient in line with infection control procedures.
Yes. Abilar can be stored in the refrigerator. However, it is not mandatory. Abilar should not be stored in the freezer or in temperatures over 40°C.
No, Abilar is not poisonous even if ingested.
The use of Abilar can enable clinicians to make significant savings on their wound care cost by:
- Replacing expensive silver and PHMB dressings with basic dressings and Abilar
- Reducing the use of honey dressings with basic dressings and Abilar
- Reducing the costs associated with enzyme alginogel dressings. Equivalent Abilar usage could save between 20 and 70% of the cost associated with this product.
For a more detailed explanation related to your own respective issues please contact us.
Where Can I Use Abilar
Abilar can be used as a primary dressing on many types of infected or uninfected wounds. The type of wound can range from pressure ulcers, diabetic foot wounds, ischaemic leg wounds, burns and surgical wounds that have failed to heal by primary intent.
Yes it can be used.
Yes. Cover and protect the suture line with a proper dressing after applying Abilar.
Yes there is, Abilar prevents surgical wound infection and reduces scarring. Apply Abilar on the suture line and cover it with an appropriate dressing.
Yes. Abilar can be applied directly to the blisters / erupted blister or it can be put on the dressing and then applied via the dressing to the blisters / erupted blister. The dressing should be changed daily.
Yes it can.
Yes it can.
Yes it can. However, one has to take into account, that cellulitis is normally treated with antibiotics.
Yes it can. Apply Abilar on heel ulcer and cover it with a gauze or other appropriate dressing.
How Do I Use Abilar
- Clean and rinse the wound as you would normally do
- Dab / let the wound dry carefully
- Apply a thin layer of Abilar to the wound. If the surrounding skin is macerated, protect it with an appropriate product.
- Cover with an appropriate dressing.
This depends upon the nature of the wound, levels of exudate and frequency of dressing change. In a heavily exuding wound there may be a requirement to change the dressing every day. For non-infected or less exuding wounds this may be extended to every 2 or 3 days. There is currently no evidence to support usage on a once a week basis but this is not contra-indicated either.
The dressing is replaced depending on the amount of exudate, in line with your current practice. In the case of slightly exudating wounds, it generally means for every 3-4 days. In terms of high exudate wounds, dressings are usually changed for every 1-2 days.
Again, this very much depends upon the number and size of wounds being treated and the frequency of dressing change. Once opened it is recommended that the tube can be re-used on the same patient for up to 12 months.
Yes. Abilar can be applied directly to the secondary dressing, if required.
Impregnate appropriate dressing or ribbon gauze with Abilar by spreading the salve directly on the dressing. Fill the cavity with the dressing and protect the surface.
Any residual Abilar can be easily washed from the wound by normal irrigation and cleaning methods. No additional agents or method changes are required.
There is no theoretical limit to the time that Abilar can be used on a wound. Abilar has been used regularly for many months in frail and elderly patients with multiple illnesses. Many of the patients have achieved full resolution of their wounds with no reported side effects.
In the case that the wound extends to bone or tendon, consult your physician. If no additional treatment is required, Abilar can be applied on bone. If tendon is visible on the wound bed, an operative treatment is often required.
What About Dressing Choice
Abilar is compatible with the vast majority of secondary dressings. The only major incompatibilities are those dressings containing antimicrobial substances such as silver or PHMB as their antimicrobial action is redundant. Significant cost savings can therefore be achieved by using Abilar with the lowest cost secondary dressing which is fit for purpose for the particular wound concerned. This is in line with current NICE Woundcare Guidelines published in January 2015.
Yes, foam dressings can be used.
When Abilar is used, no other dressing with other antimicrobial active ingredients i.e. silver, honey, PHMB or iodine etc. is needed.
Yes. Abilar has been directly applied to Sorbact dressings which are designed to help reduce exudate. There have been no reports of interactions between Abilar and Sorbact.
What Should I Look Out For
Abilar has been in everyday use in over 100 hospitals in Finland since 2008 with over 350,000 tubes consumed during that time. Only one type of adverse reaction has been reported that can directly be attributed to Abilar, a contact allergy which diminishes upon discontinuation. In over 7 years the manufacturer has received less than 25 reports of such a reaction and the equivalent of the UK Yellow Card reporting system in Finland has only logged 2 events.
Resins are in common use in a multitude of household products. Abilar should not be used on mucous membranes or in patients with a known allergy to spruce resin. Its safety in pregnancy and lactation has not been established.
It is not recommended so far. Data regarding the use of Abilar during pregnancy is not available.
No, Abilar should not be used in or around the eyes.
In the initial stage of treatment, this is perfectly normal. The reason is that the Abilar debrides the dead tissue around the wound that simulates wound growth.
This is perfectly normal. Abilar contains natural resin compounds from a Norway Spruce tree that have specific odour.
In the case of strong exudation, use absorbable dressing together with Abilar. If necessary consult your physician.
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