Fat emulsion (Injection)

Introduction

Fat Emulsion (fat e-MULL-shun)

Provides calories and fatty acids needed by your body. May be given with TPN (total parenteral nutrition).

Brand Name(s)

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and tell you how often you should have it.
• The fat emulsion will be given through a tube put in one of your veins, usually in your chest. This is called intravenous (in-tra-VEEN-us), or IV.
• The medicine will be given by a nurse or other caregiver trained to give IV treatments. Sometimes you, someone in your family, or a friend can be taught to give your treatment.
• Check the liquid in the IV bag or bottle before you give the fat emulsion. If the medicine looks oily or has separated, You should not use it.

If a dose is missed:

• This treatment needs to be given on a regular schedule. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose.
• Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• Some fat emulsions are kept in the refrigerator and others can be kept at room temperature. Ask your care give how you should store the fat emulsion and for how long. Do not freeze.
• When the fat emulsion is mixed with a TPN mixture it should be kept in the refrigerator. You should not use it after the expiration date.
• Throw away used bottles or bags of fat emulsions after your treatments. Do not save unused fat emulsion from an opened bottle.
• You should be given a special container for the used needles, IV bags or bottles, and tubes. Keep it where children and pets cannot reach it.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not add any medicine to the fat emulsion unless you have checked with your doctor or pharmacist.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Talk to your doctor before you have your treatments if you have pancreatitis (inflamed pancreas), high cholesterol, or blood clotting problems.
• Make sure your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Change the bandages around your IV tube if they get wet, dirty, or loose; otherwise, change them every 3 days (or as often as you have been taught to change them). It is important to keep this area clean to prevent infections.
• Tell your caregiver if the IV tube is broken or leaking liquid or if you have trouble pushing liquid through the tube.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Fever, chills, or sore throat
• Redness, warmth, or pus where the IV tube goes in your skin
• Flushing; feelings of pressure over your eyes
• Headache
• Trouble breathing, itching, rash, or hives
• Chest pain
• Yellow skin or eyes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Pain or swelling where the IV is given
• Nausea or vomiting

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088