Ortem™ is a topical ointment that significantly helped me during my pilonidal sinus recovery…and it may be the solution for you as well.
Firstly, I want to make it abundantly clear that I am not endorsed or sponsored by Ortem™. The reason I am showcasing the use of Ortem™ is due to the personal improvements I saw during my pilonidal sinus recovery.
So, what is Ortem™ and how can it help during aftercare with pilonidal sinus wound healing?
What is Ortem™?
By definition, Ortem™ is a proprietary preparation of metronidazole 10% ointment, manufactured by SLA Pharma and available in the UK as an unlicensed medicine.
Ortem™ can be applied directly as an ointment onto the pilonidal sinus wound, making it a topical metronidazole.
How Does Ortem™ Help With Pilonidal Sinus Wounds?
Firstly, metronidazole is a nitroimidazole with antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties. Topical metronidazole has been used to treat a variety of diseases in the past; however, using it for pilonidal sinus wounds is still relatively unknown across the globe.
During my pilonidal sinus journey, I reached a point of desperation after four unsuccessful surgeries. I was seen by a tissue viability nurse who recommended ‘10% metronidazole’ as something to look for.
This was not available on the NHS when we looked at the GP – the only metronidazole strength available was 0.25%.
So I turned my attention to Google and searched “10% metronidazole pilonidal sinus” and came across this clinical trial.
I reached out to the contact details and Justin Slagel, part of the SLA Pharma group, was extremely generous and provided me with Ortem™ for my healing. He also got me in contact with Mr Carapeti, who conducted my private (and final) surgery.
The results I saw from using Ortem™ were extraordinary. When using it before my final surgery, I saw significant improvements to the wound, which prepared me extremely well for the surgery.
I then continued to apply Ortem™ daily post-surgery and the results were incredible. I could not believe that I had finally found a solution to my pilonidal sinus nightmare.
Is Ortem™ Available On The NHS?
Ortem™ is currently available as an unlicensed medicine undergoing a Phase 3 clinical trial. If you think that Ortem™ would be suitable for your treatment, please contact your doctor who can prescribe it on a ‘Specials’ basis. This means that Ortem™ will be charged as a regular prescription.
More information regarding Ortem™ is available on the SLA website.
Ortem™ Alternatives
If you want to use an alternative to Ortem™, you could try applying Flaminal Hydro Gel to the wound and monitor the progress (I used Flaminal during my pilonidal sinus journey, but it wasn’t the right application for my healing due to underlying issues inside my wound).
Flaminal is available as a prescription on the NHS.