SIDE EFFECTS

Sepsis due to contamination of administration equipment and thrombophlebitis due to vein irritation from concurrently administered hypertonic solutions have been encountered. These are attributable to I.V. therapy in general or to the type of infusion administered.

Adverse reactions directly related to fat emulsions are of two types: (1) immediate (acute) and (2) long term (chronic). In studies of lipid products in general, the following immediate reactions have been noted: Allergic reactions, hyperlipemia, dyspnea, cyanosis, flushing, dizziness, headache, sleepiness, nausea, vomiting, hyperthermia, sweating, chest and back pain, thrombocytopenia (rarely in neonates), hypercoagulability and transient increases in liver enzymes.

The following reactions have been noted with long-term therapy with lipid infusions in general: Hepatomegaly, jaundice due to central lobular cholestasis, splenomegaly, thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, transient increases in liver function tests, overloading syndrome and the deposition of brown pigment ("fat pigment") in the reticuloendothelial tissue of the liver. The significance of this last occurrence and its cause are unknown.

If symptoms and signs of acute respiratory distress develop, appropriate medical intervention should be instituted immediately and the cause of the distress investigated. The parenteral nutrition infusion should be replaced with a dextrose infusion (to prevent rebound hypoglycemia) and checked for the presence of particulate matter and oiling out of the emulsion (see Mixing Instructions For Combined Administration).

Read the entire FDA prescribing information for Liposyn III 30 (Liposyn III 30 Intravenous Far Emulsion) »