DERMA UK INTRODUCES PRODUCT INNOVATION TO HELP IMPROVE INFECTION CONTROL IN OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGICAL PRACTICE

In response to the increasing need to reduce the spread of infections across all NHS departments, Derma UK is delighted to announce the launch of a new Hibitane™ Obstetric Cream 50ml pack size.  As a single-patient-use pack size, the opportunities for cross contamination between patients and healthcare professionals in obstetric and gynaecological practice are potentially reduced. The new pack size is designed with a simple flip cap which is quick and easy to use single handed by health care professionals during physical internal examinations and during labour and delivery.

With a 60-year heritage in Obstetric and Gynaecological practice, Hibitane™ Obstetric Cream is a chlorhexidine-based antiseptic antimicrobial lubricant licensed for use in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.  The active ingredient, Chlorhexidine Gluconate 1% w/w, equivalent to 5% v/w Chlorhexidine Gluconate Solution) is a highly effective antiseptic and antimicrobial which is effective against of Gram negative and Gram positive vegetative bacteria, yeasts, dermatophyte fungi and lipophilic viruses.[1]

A survey[2] conducted by Derma UK found that 64% of health care professionals working in Obstetrics and Gynaecology think that using a lubricant that contains chlorhexidine would help to reduce infections within their department. The benefits of using chlorhexidine in Obstetrics and Gynaecology are well-evidenced. Studies show that:

• Chlorhexidine is a well-tolerated broad-spectrum antiseptic which has been shown to reduce neonatal morbidity due to group B streptococcus. It is capable of neutralizing many infectious agents, viral and bacterial[3]
• Cleansing the birth canal with chlorhexidine reduced early neonatal and maternal postpartum infectious problems. The safety, simplicity, and low cost of the procedure suggest that it should be considered as standard care to lower infant and maternal morbidity and mortality³

Former midwife and General Manager of Derma UK, Roisin Trainor comments, “In the Covid-era, reducing the spread of infection is at the forefront of the NHS agenda. The launch of the new 50ml pack size of Hibitane™ Obstetric Cream is an exciting opportunity for Derma UK to play a role in minimising the transmission of germs and infections in obs and gynae practice. Hibitane™ Obstetric Cream is a trusted formulation with a strong heritage and we’ve listened carefully to health care professionals who use the product in regular practice when developing this product innovation. We know that obstetricians, gynaecologists and midwives are using Hibitane™ frequently in practice (93% who use it do so at least weekly), so it’s important to be able to offer a product option to help reduce infection.”

Hibitane™ Obstetric Cream is licensed for use in a variety of Gynaecological and Obstetric procedures including Spontaneous Vaginal Deliveries, Assisted Deliveries and PV Examinations. In a survey of 141 health care professionals[4], of those questioned who stated they use Hibitane™ Obstetric Cream as a lubricant, 68% use the product for vaginal examinations, 41% during delivery and 30% for other actions including instrument lubrication and cleaning the skin.

The new 50ml single-use pack size is now available, alongside the original 250ml Hibitane™ Obstetric Cream. For more details visit dermauk.co.uk, email info@dermauk.co.uk or call 0191 375 9020 to discover how Derma UK’s NHS Partnership Liaison Team can assist.

ENDS

For more information, please contact Caroline Beswick or Kitty Weale at Trinity PR on 020 7112 4905 / 0770 948 7960 or email caroline.beswick@trinitypr.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

Derma UK was formed in 2001 with the purpose of providing cost effective solutions to common dermatological conditions and ultimately creating a better quality of life for the patient. Skin conditions are the most common reason why patients consult their GP – accounting for 24% of all GP appointments (Skin Conditions in the UK, HCNA 2009). Derma UK consists of a skilled and dedicated team of staff, based at the head office in Newcastle, located along the Quayside in the Toffee Factory. The company works closely with pharmaceutical manufacturers, wholesalers and buying groups to ensure continuous development and supply of our product portfolio. Derma UK works closely with patient support groups and healthcare professional bodies such as the British Dermatological Nursing Group. The organisation’s mission is to support education in the specialist area of dermatology and to ensure its products continue to meet the needs of patients and customers.

Abbreviated Prescribing Information for Hibitane™ Obstetric Cream

Presentation: Hibitane™ Obstetric Cream is a cream containing Chlorhexidine Gluconate 1% w/w. Indication: An antimicrobial preparation for use as an antiseptic and lubricant in obstetric and gynaecological practice. Dosage and Administration: Apply liberally to the skin around the vulva and perineum of the patient, and to the gloved hands of the midwife or doctor. Contraindications: Contraindicated for patients who have previously shown a hypersensitivity reaction to chlorhexidine. However, such reactions are extremely rare. Warnings and Precautions: For topical application only. Keep out of the eyes and ears and avoid contact with the brain and meninges. Local stinging and/or chemical burns have been reported following off-label use of gauze packs soaked in Hibitane™ Obstetric Cream and left intra-vaginally for prolonged periods. Undesirable Effects: Irritative skin reactions can occasionally occur. Generalised allergic reactions to chlorhexidine including anaphylaxis have been reported but are extremely rare. Package Quantities: 50ml and 250ml bottle. Pharmaceutical Precautions: Store below 30ºC. Basic NHS Price: £4.80 (1 x 50ml) and £19.23 (1 X 250ml). Legal Category: GSL. Marketing Authorisation Number: PL 19876/0009. Marketing Authorisation Holder: Derma UK Ltd, Toffee Factory, Ouseburn, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2DF, UK. “Hibitane” and “Derma UK” are registered Trade Marks. Date of Revision of Text: March 2021.

Please refer to the full SPC text before prescribing this product. Adverse events should be reported. Reporting forms and information can be found at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. Adverse events should also be reported to Derma UK on +44 (0) 191 375 9020.

HIB/50

[1] Derma UK Ltd., ‘Summary of Hibitane™ Obstetric Cream Product Characteristics (SmPC).’ 2019

[2] Derma UK LTD, Hibitane™ Obstetric Cream Research, 2018 March. Data on file.

[3] A, Fayez Bakr et al, Effect of Cleansing the Birth Canal with Antiseptic Solution on Maternal and Neonatal Mortality in Alexandria, American Journal of Paediatrics. July 2002, p379-383.

[4] Derma UK LTD, Hibitane™ Obstetric Cream Research, 2018 March. Data on file.