Sterile fat emulsions containing soya oil, egg lecithin and glycerol
Consumer Medicine Information
What is in this leaflet
This leaflet answers some common questions about Intralipid. It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you taking Intralipid against any benefits they expect it will have for you.
Please read this leaflet carefully before using Intralipid 10%, 20% and 30%. If you have any questions or are unsure about anything, please ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Keep this leaflet with the medicine. You may need to read it again.
What is Intralipid used for and how does it work?
Intralipid is a sterile fat emulsion, which provides your body with energy and fatty acids. The active ingredient in Intralipid is soya oil. Soya oil consists of a mixture of mainly polyunsaturated fatty acids. It also contains egg lecithin as an emulsifier, which is isolated from egg yolk. It is available in 3 strengths namely 10%, 20% and 30%.
When the intake of nutrients or food into the mouth or directly into the gut is not possible, or it is not enough to supply the body’s needs, then intravenous nutrients or foods can be given. This is especially important for people whose bodies are under physical stress from illness or recent surgery. During illness or after surgery the body requires nutrition or food. It is usually given together with carbohydrates, amino acids, salts, trace elements and vitamins to provide a complete intravenous diet.
Before you are given Intralipid
You should not be given Intralipid if
- You have an allergy to soya oil, eggs, peanuts or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
- You have an inability to break down fats
If you are not sure whether any of these apply to you, check with your doctor.
You should tell your doctor BEFORE using Intralipid if the answer to any of the following questions is YES.
- Are you pregnant or trying to become pregnant?
- Are you breastfeeding?
- Are you allergic to soya-, egg- or peanut protein?
- Do you have liver or kidney disease?
- Are you a diabetic?
- Do you have a disease of the pancreas?
- Do you have a disorder of the thyroid gland?
- Are you taking anticoagulants (medicines for preventing blood clotting)?
- Are you taking any other medicines including any that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or healthfood shop. These medicines may affect the action of Intralipid or may affect how well Intralipid works.
If you have not told your doctors about any of the above, tell them before you are given Intralipid.
How is Intralipid given?
The dose of Intrapid which you will require will be determined by your doctor or pharmacist. Your doctor will supervise your treatment with Intralipid.
Side Effects
Intralipid, like all other nutrient solutions which are given intravenously, may cause unwanted effects in some people. All the unwanted effects associated with Intralipid may not yet have been detected.
Intralipid may cause a rise in your body temperature (this occurs in less than 3% of people who use it). Shivering, chills and nausea and vomiting occur less often (in less than 1% of people who use it). Reports of other unwanted effects caused by Intralipid are extremely rare.
Unwanted effects which have been reported to occur immediately or soon after Intralipid has been given include: allergic reactions (skin rash and hives); breathing difficulties (rapid breathing, shortness of breath); effects on blood pressure; abdominal pain; tiredness; headaches; flushing; slight pressure over the eyes and dizziness.
If you have these or any other unwanted effects during treatment, tell your doctor.
If you are given too much (overdose)
This rarely happens as Intralipid is usually administered under the care of a trained professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
However, if you are given Intralipid too quickly or too much, you may experience the following side effects: fever or convulsions.
Your doctor has information on how to recognise and treat an overdose. Ask your doctor if you have any concerns.
Storage
The expiry date of Intralipid is on the label of the pack. Intralipid should not be used if the expiry date has passed.
Intralipid should be stored below 25ºC, but not frozen. Do not use Intralipid if it has been frozen.
The contents of each bottle of Intralipid are for single infusion only. Any unused Intralipid should be discarded. Do not use Intralipid if it is discoloured. Do not use if the product does not look quite right.
List of other ingredients
Intralipid also contains other ingredients such as glycerol, egg lecithin, sodium hydroxide and water for injections.
Intralipid does not contain any preservative.
Product Description
What it looks like
Intralipid is a milky white emulsion which is supplied in glass bottles or plastic bags.
The active ingredient is soya oil. Intralipid comes in three strengths: 10%, 20% and 30%. It also contains egg lecithin, glycerol, sodium hydroxide and water for injections.
1000mL of Intralipid supplies the following calories:
- 10% 4600 kJ
- 20% 8400 kJ
- 30% 12600 kJ.
Intralipid does not contain gluten, lactose, sucrose, tartrazine or any other azo dyes.
Intralipid comes in different pack sizes and can be identified by AUST R numbers:
Bottle
- Intralipid 10%, 500 mL AUST R 14471
- Intralipid 20%, 100 mL AUST R 14472
- Intralipid 20%, 500 mL AUST R 48245
- Intralipid 20%, 1000 mL AUST R 48246
- Intralipid 30%, 250 mL AUST R 53538
- Intralipid 30%, 333 mL AUST R 53539
- Intralipid 30%, 500 mL AUST R 53540
- Intralipid 30%, 1000 mL AUST R 53541
Bags
- Intralipid 10%, 500 mL AUST R 77744
- Intralipid 20%, 100 mL AUST R 77745
- Intralipid 20%, 500 mL AUST R 77746
- Intralipid 30%, 250 mL AUST R 77747
- Intralipid 30%, 333 mL AUST R 77748
In New Zealand, the following pack sizes are available:
Bottles
- Intralipid 10%: 100ml, 250ml, 500 mL
- Intralipid 20%: 100 mL, 250ml, 500 mL, 1000 mL
- Intralipid 30%: 250 mL, 333 mL, 500 mL, 1000 mL
Bags
- Intralipid 10%: 500 mL
- Intralipid 20%: 100 mL, 500 mL
- Intralipid 30%: 250 mL, 333 mL
It may be supplied from the pharmacy as a mixture of amino acids, glucose, and vitamins. In this case it would be a milky white mixture in a plastic bag.
Further Information
More detailed information is available from your doctor or pharmacist. Therefore, if you have any concerns about the information or about Intralipid ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Sponsor
Australia:
Fresenius Kabi Australia Pty Limited
Level 2, 2 Woodland Way
Mount Kuring-gai NSW 2080
Australia
Telephone: (02) 9391 5555
New Zealand:
Fresenius Kabi New Zealand Limited
60 Pavilion Drive
Airport Oaks, Auckland 2022
New Zealand
Freecall: 0800 144 892
® = Registered Trademark
Date of Information
This leaflet was prepared in July 2016.
Published by MIMS February 2017