BIATAIN IBU Non-Adhesive

Wound pain at the wound contact surface is a recognised clinical challenge in chronic wound management, particularly at dressing changes. Biatain Ibu Non-Adhesive is a non-adhesive polyurethane foam dressing from Coloplast containing ibuprofen as an active pharmaceutical ingredient. The ibuprofen is incorporated into the foam wound contact layer and is released locally at the wound surface to provide local analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity. The foam simultaneously absorbs wound exudate and supports a moist wound healing environment. Available in four sizes. Secondary fixation is required. Available without a prescription as a Pharmacy Medicine.

Biatain Ibu Non-Adhesive is a Pharmacy Medicine (P) from Coloplast. It is a polyurethane foam wound dressing with ibuprofen incorporated into the wound contact layer. Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). In Biatain Ibu Non-Adhesive, the ibuprofen is delivered locally at the wound surface rather than taken orally, with the aim of providing local analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity.

Wound pain is a common and distressing feature of chronic exuding wounds including venous leg ulcers, pressure ulcers, and other wound types. Local wound pain can reduce patient quality of life and may cause patients to delay or avoid dressing changes, which can adversely affect wound management. Biatain Ibu Non-Adhesive is designed to address this local wound pain while simultaneously managing wound exudate.

The dressing has no integrated adhesive border. It requires a secondary fixation product such as a bandage, retention dressing, or tape. Available in four sizes: 5cm x 7cm, 10cm x 12cm, 15cm x 15cm, and 20cm x 20cm.

Because Biatain Ibu Non-Adhesive contains ibuprofen as an active pharmaceutical ingredient, it carries the contraindications and precautions of NSAID medicines. Patients and carers should read the product information carefully before use. It is available from Pharmacy Planet as a Pharmacy Medicine without a prescription for eligible patients.

Biatain Ibu Non-Adhesive contains ibuprofen (an NSAID). Do not use if you have a known allergy to ibuprofen, aspirin, or other NSAIDs; if you have aspirin-sensitive asthma; if you are in the third trimester of pregnancy; or if you have active peptic ulcer disease. Consult your pharmacist or GP before use if you have kidney, liver, or heart conditions, or if you take anticoagulants, aspirin, or other NSAIDs. Always read the product information leaflet before use.

Local Ibuprofen Release at the Wound Surface

Ibuprofen is incorporated into the foam wound contact layer of Biatain Ibu Non-Adhesive. When wound exudate contacts the foam, the ibuprofen is released locally at the wound surface. Ibuprofen inhibits the enzyme cyclo-oxygenase, reducing the production of prostaglandins at the wound site. Prostaglandins are signalling molecules involved in the generation of pain and inflammation at wound sites. By reducing prostaglandin production locally, ibuprofen acts as a local analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent at the wound contact surface.

Local Rather Than Systemic Activity

The ibuprofen in Biatain Ibu Non-Adhesive is delivered locally at the wound surface. The amount of ibuprofen absorbed systemically from wound contact dressing use is substantially lower than from oral ibuprofen administration. However, patients with conditions that contraindicate ibuprofen including aspirin-sensitive asthma, active peptic ulcer disease, severe renal impairment, and third trimester pregnancy should not use Biatain Ibu Non-Adhesive. Patients taking other NSAIDs or anticoagulants should consult a pharmacist or GP before use.

Foam Exudate Absorption

The polyurethane 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 alongside the local ibuprofen activity. The foam provides cushioning over the wound site.

Moist Wound Healing

By managing exudate while maintaining wound surface moisture, Biatain Ibu Non-Adhesive supports the moist wound healing environment associated with cell migration, natural debridement, and granulation tissue development. The combination of local pain management and moist wound exudate control is the defining clinical rationale for this dressing.

Before Application

• Wash hands and use appropriate gloves.
• Clean the wound with sterile saline or as directed by a healthcare professional.
• Check that ibuprofen is not contraindicated for this patient before applying. See the Safety Information section.
• Dry the periwound skin gently.
• Select an appropriate secondary fixation product.

Application

• Select the appropriate size: 5cm x 7cm, 10cm x 12cm, 15cm x 15cm, or 20cm x 20cm.
• Place the dressing over the wound with the wound contact surface facing the wound bed.
• Apply a secondary fixation product to secure the dressing in position.
• No adhesive border is present - secondary fixation is always required.
• Label with the date and time of application.

Wear Time and Removal

• Change frequency depends on wound exudate levels and clinical guidance. The dressing can typically be worn for several days depending on exudate.
• Do not leave the dressing in place longer than clinically appropriate. Reassess at each change.
• Remove secondary fixation first, then lift the foam pad from the wound.
• Reassess at each change whether Biatain Ibu Non-Adhesive remains appropriate for this wound and patient.

Biatain Ibu Non-Adhesive 5cm x 7cm

The smallest size, suitable for small wounds and localised wound sites where a compact non adhesive ibuprofen foam pad is appropriate.

Biatain Ibu Non-Adhesive 10cm x 12cm

A medium rectangular size suitable for moderate-sized exuding wounds including smaller venous leg ulcers, pressure ulcers, and post-operative wounds where local ibuprofen wound contact and foam exudate management are both clinically indicated.

Biatain Ibu Non-Adhesive 15cm x 15cm

A medium-large square size suited to moderate to larger wound areas where broader foam coverage with local ibuprofen activity is needed.

Biatain Ibu Non-Adhesive 20cm x 20cm

The largest size, suited to larger wound areas including extensive chronic wounds where a 20cm x 20cm non adhesive foam pad with local ibuprofen activity is appropriate. Suitable for clinical settings and patients managing larger wounds under clinical supervision.

When selecting a size, the foam pad should cover the entire wound bed with a margin beyond the wound edges.

Do Not Use Biatain Ibu Non-Adhesive If

• You have a known allergy or hypersensitivity to ibuprofen, aspirin, or any other NSAID medicine.
• You have aspirin-sensitive asthma — a condition in which aspirin or NSAIDs trigger asthma symptoms.
• You are in the third trimester of pregnancy (weeks 28 to 40). Ibuprofen is contraindicated in the third trimester.
• You have active peptic ulcer disease or active gastrointestinal bleeding.
• You have severe renal impairment, severe hepatic impairment, or severe cardiac impairment.
• The patient is a child under the age for which the product is indicated, consult the product information leaflet and a pharmacist or GP.

Seek Advice Before Use If

• You are taking anticoagulant medicines such as warfarin, heparin, or direct oral anticoagulants - ibuprofen may interact with anticoagulants even when applied locally.
• You are taking aspirin or any other NSAID medicine (including naproxen, diclofenac, and celecoxib).
• You are in the first or second trimester of pregnancy. Seek clinical guidance before use.
• You are breastfeeding.
• You have a history of peptic ulcer disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney disease, liver disease, or heart failure.
• You have any other condition or take any other medicine that could be affected by ibuprofen.

Additional Precautions

• Always read the product information leaflet supplied with Biatain Ibu Non-Adhesive before use.
• Single use product. Do not reuse.
• Secondary fixation is always required.
• Do not use MRI scanning with the dressing in place.

Adverse Effects

• Local skin irritation, redness, or sensitisation at the wound or periwound area.
• In patients with NSAID sensitivity: systemic reactions are possible even with local ibuprofen application. Discontinue and seek clinical advice if any systemic reaction occurs.

Biatain Ibu Non-Adhesive May Be Suitable For

• Adult patients with moderately to heavily exuding clean wounds associated with wound related pain, including venous leg ulcers, pressure ulcers, and post-operative wounds, in whom ibuprofen is not contraindicated
• Patients where local wound pain management at the wound contact surface is a clinical priority alongside exudate management
• Wounds where a non-adhesive foam format is preferred and secondary fixation is clinically appropriate

Biatain Ibu Non-Adhesive Is Not Suitable For

• Patients with any contraindication to ibuprofen or NSAIDs. See the full contraindication list above
• Patients in the third trimester of pregnancy
• Infected wounds where antimicrobial management is the priority, Biatain Ibu Non-Adhesive contains no antimicrobial agents
• Patients taking anticoagulants or other NSAIDs without pharmacist or GP guidance

Biatain Ibu Non-Adhesive is a Pharmacy Medicine (P) and does not require a prescription. It can be purchased from Pharmacy Planet. Because it contains ibuprofen as an active pharmaceutical ingredient, it is important to check that it is appropriate for you before purchasing.

Our pharmacists are available to advise on whether Biatain Ibu Non-Adhesive is appropriate for your specific wound and health circumstances. Please inform our team of any medicines you currently take, any known allergies, and any relevant health conditions before purchasing.

If you are unsure whether Biatain Ibu Non-Adhesive is suitable for you, consult your GP or district nurse. For complex wounds or wounds not healing as expected, clinical assessment from a tissue viability nurse or GP is recommended 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 packed. Check packaging integrity before use.
• 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. Our pharmacists are available to check that Biatain Ibu Non-Adhesive is appropriate for you, taking into account your current medicines and health conditions, before you purchase.

We stock all four sizes of Biatain Ibu Non-Adhesive alongside the full Biatain range. All products are genuine and sourced through regulated supply chains.

References

1. Coloplast. Biatain Ibu Non-Adhesive — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC). Coloplast Ltd. https://www.coloplast.co.uk. Accessed May 2026.
2. MHRA. Ibuprofen (non-prescription): reminder of important safety information. https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update. Accessed May 2026.
3. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. https://bnf.nice.org.uk. Accessed May 2026.
4. Wounds UK. Best Practice Statement: Wound exudate — effective assessment and management. https://www.wounds-uk.com. Accessed May 2026.