Pricing
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Lipofit is indicated for:
Pharmacology
Intravenous fat emulsion is a 10% preparation of refined soyabean oil, meant to be given as an intravenous nutrient. It prevents Essential Fatty Acid Deficiency (EFAD) and corrects the clinical signs of EFAD. Patients who need complete parenteral nutrition, however, also need complementary vitamin supplements.
These emulsions are made from either soyabean or safflower oil and supply a mixture of neutral triglycerides, mostly unsaturated fatty acids. The main fatty acids are linoleic, oleic and palmitic acids. The emulsion also contains 1.2% egg yolk phospholipids as an emulsifier, and glycerol to adjust tonicity. IV fat emulsions are isotonic, so they may be given by the central or the peripheral venous route.
Intravenous fat emulsion is formulated as a concentrated source of energy, to be used together with carbohydrates and amino acids in parenteral nutrition. It is isotonic, and it provides a source of basal phosphate requirements and a source of vitamin E.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
Total parenteral nutrition: intravenous fat emulsion is given as part of TPN, through a peripheral vein or by a central venous catheter. Fat emulsion should make up no more than 60% of the patient's total caloric intake, and carbohydrates and amino acids should supply the remaining 40% or more.
Adult: Start the infusion at 1 ml/min for the first 15 to 30 mins. If no adverse reactions occur, the rate can be raised to 2 ml/min. Give only 500 ml on the first day and increase the dose the following day. The daily dose must not go above 2.5 g/kg.
Children: Start at 0.1 ml/min for the first 10 to 15 mins. If no adverse reactions occur, the rate can be raised to 1 g/kg in 4 hours. The daily dose must not go above 3 g/kg.
Infants: Start at 0.5 g/kg/24 hours. The dose may be increased according to the infant's ability to eliminate fat. The maximum recommended dose is 3 g/kg/24 hours.
Fatty acid deficiency: To correct EFAD, 8% to 10% of the caloric intake should be supplied as intravenous fat emulsion, which gives an adequate amount of linoleic acid.
Throw away whatever is left in an opened bottle, and don't save it for later use. Don't use any bottle where the emulsion looks separated.
Side Effects
Intravenous fat emulsion may cause a rise in body temperature (incidence <3%). Shivering, chills and nausea or vomiting happen less often (incidence <1%). Other adverse events with 10% fat emulsion infusion are extremely rare, with less than one report of certain events per one million infusions. Hypersensitivity reactions (anaphylactic reaction, skin rash, urticaria), respiratory symptoms (tachypnoea) and circulatory effects (hypertension, hypotension) have been described. Thrombosis, haemolysis, reticulocytosis, abdominal pain, tiredness and priapism have also been reported, along with neurological adverse reactions including headaches, flushing, dyspnoea, slight pressure over the eyes and dizziness.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Intravenous fat emulsion contains soya oil and egg lecithin, and these can rarely cause allergic reactions. Soya-bean and peanut have been seen to cause cross allergic reaction. Fat metabolism may be disturbed in conditions such as renal insufficiency, uncompensated diabetes, pancreatitis, certain forms of liver insufficiency, metabolic disorders and sepsis. Give Intravenous fat emulsion with caution in seriously ill patients, because a strong correlation exists between C-reactive protein and the agglutination of the emulsion in these patients. Use caution too in neonates and premature infants with hyperbilirubinaemia, and in cases where pulmonary hypertension is suspected. In low birthweight infants, the risk of lipid infusions may outweigh the potential benefits, since their defences against infection are diminished further. In infants, infection and heparin administration may reduce the metabolism of lipids in peripheral tissues. Neonates on long term parenteral nutrition, particularly premature neonates, should have their platelet count, liver function tests and serum triglyceride concentration monitored.
Contraindications
Intravenous fat emulsion must not be used in people whose fat metabolism is severely disordered, for example in severe liver damage or acute shock. It also must not be given to anyone who is hypersensitive to egg protein, soya protein or peanut protein, or to any of the active substances or excipients in the product.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Nobody has shown that intravenous fat emulsion is completely safe for the foetus or for a breastfed infant. So it should be given with caution during pregnancy and while a woman is breastfeeding.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Overdose
If the body can't clear the fat emulsion properly, an overdose can lead to fat overload syndrome. It can also happen at the recommended infusion rates, if the patient's condition changes suddenly, for example with impaired kidney function or an infection. Fat overload syndrome is marked by bone marrow depression, anaemia, thrombocytopenia, hepatosplenomegaly, splenomegaly, hyperlipaemia, fever, fat infiltration, focal seizures and shock. These symptoms usually reverse once the infusion is stopped.
⚠️ In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Storage
Store intravenous fat emulsion at 15°C to 30°C, in a dry place and away from light. Keep it out of reach of children.
Don't use it if you see excessive creaming or aggregation, or if there are excessive free oil droplets. Also don't use it if the bag is leaking, the bottle is damaged, or the solution is frozen, discolored or has particles in it.
Once a bag or bottle has been opened, throw away whatever is left over and don't save it for later use. The product contains no preservatives.
Drug Interactions
Common questions about Lipofit 10%
What is Lipofit 10% IV Infusion?
Lipofit 10% IV Infusion is a medicine that contains Intravenous fat emulsion. It is made by Beacon Pharmaceuticals PLC. It belongs to the Parenteral nutritional preparations group of medicines.
What is Lipofit used for?
Lipofit is used for: Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
What are the side effects of Lipofit?
Intravenous fat emulsion may cause a rise in body temperature (incidence <3%). Shivering, chills and nausea or vomiting happen less often (incidence <1%).
Can I take Lipofit during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Nobody has shown that intravenous fat emulsion is completely safe for the foetus or for a breastfed infant. So it should be given with caution during pregnancy and while a woman is breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
What happens if I take too much Lipofit?
If the body can't clear the fat emulsion properly, an overdose can lead to fat overload syndrome. It can also happen at the recommended infusion rates, if the patient's condition changes suddenly, for example with impaired kidney function or an infection. In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
How should I store Lipofit?
Store intravenous fat emulsion at 15°C to 30°C, in a dry place and away from light. Keep it out of reach of children.
Can I take other medicines with Lipofit?
Some medicines can interact with Intravenous fat emulsion, for example: Insulin (Human) 30/70, Heparin Sodium. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take.
Do I need a prescription for Lipofit?
Lipofit is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.