Seprafilm® Question and Answer

Learn more about Seprafilm treatment

Q.: What is Seprafilm?
A.: Seprafilm is a clear piece of film that is applied during surgery. In order to help prevent adhesion-related complications, the Seprafilm C-section adhesion barrier sticks to your internal tissues and separates your organs to help prevent them from attaching to one another as they heal. Seprafilm is made up of chemically modified sugars, some of which occur naturally in the human body. Once placed inside the body, Seprafilm becomes a gel that contours to your internal anatomy, and you will not feel its presence.
Q.: Will Seprafilm have to be removed after I heal?
A.: No. Seprafilm stays in place up to seven days while you heal, helping to reduce your risk of adhesion-related complications that may result from the C-section procedure. It is then absorbed and excreted by your body in less than 28 days after application.
Q.: Is Seprafilm safe?
A.: Yes, Seprafilm is FDA approved. It has been studied in over 4,000 patients, featured in over 20 published human studies¹, and has been proven safe and effective.² The many types of surgery studied include Cesarean section, bowel surgery, and surgeries involving the uterus and ovaries.¹
Q.: If I had no complications from my first C-section, should I still ask my doctor about Seprafilm?
A.: Even if you've had a past C-section without complications, you still may be at risk for adhesions from future C-sections.
Q.: Can I get Seprafilm?
A.: Your doctor can tell you if Seprafilm is right for you. If you are planning on a C-section delivery, you should speak with your doctor about potential risks and complications, and whether Seprafilm is an appropriate adhesion prevention treatment option for you.

References:

Data on file. Genzyme Corporation.
Seprafilm Prescribing Information. Cambridge, MA: Genzyme Corporation; 2007.

Seprafilm
Seprafilm Q & A

“When I have used Seprafilm on primary C-sections, I have found fewer adhesions and encountered less distortion of normal anatomy during subsequent C-sections.”

Dr. Lewis Bellardo
Baptist Hospital
Nashville, TN

Indication
Seprafilm® Adhesion Barrier is used to reduce internal scarring (adhesions) after open abdominal/pelvic surgery.

Important Safety Information
Seprafilm should not be wrapped around a reconnected bowel as this may lead to increased side effects, such as abdominal infections. The safety and effectiveness of Seprafilm has not been established in combination with other adhesion prevention products and/or in surgeries outside of the abdomen or pelvis. The safety and effectiveness of Seprafilm has also not been evaluated in cases of pregnancy, cancer, or known infection. Side effects reported are consistent with those typically seen following abdominal/pelvic surgery when used as directed.

Please see the Seprafilm Package Insert (PDF) for full product information and talk to your doctor.

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