warnings and cautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Risk of Clinical Decompensation with Rapid Infusion of Intravenous Lipid Emulsion in Neonates and Infants: Acute respiratory distress, metabolic acidosis, and death after rapid infusion of intravenous lipid emulsions have been reported. ( 5.1 , 8.4 ) Risk of Parenteral Nutrition-Associated Liver Disease (PNALD): Increased risk in patients who receive PN for extended periods of time, especially preterm neonates. Monitor liver function tests; if abnormalities occur consider discontinuation or dosage reduction. ( 5.2 , 6.1 , 8.4 ) Hypersensitivity Reactions: Monitor for signs or symptoms. Discontinue infusion if reactions occur. ( 5.3 ) Risk of Infections, Fat Overload Syndrome, Refeeding Syndrome, and Hypertriglyceridemia: Monitor for signs and symptoms; monitor laboratory parameters. ( 5.4 , 5.5 , 5.6 , 5.7 ) Aluminum Toxicity: Increased risk in patients with renal impairment, including preterm neonates. ( 5.8 , 8.4 ) 5.1 Clinical Decompensation with Rapid Infusion of Intravenous Lipid Emulsions in Neonates and Infants In the postmarketing setting, serious adverse reactions including acute respiratory distress, metabolic acidosis, and death have been reported in neonates and infants after rapid infusion of intravenous lipid emulsions. Hypertriglyceridemia was commonly reported. Strictly adhere to the recommended total daily dosage; the hourly infusion rate should not exceed 0.75 mL/kg/hour [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 )]. Preterm and small for gestational age infants have poor clearance of intravenous lipid emulsion and increased free fatty acid plasma levels following lipid emulsion infusion. Carefully monitor the infant's ability to eliminate the infused lipids from the circulation (e.g., measure serum triglycerides and/or plasma free fatty acid levels). If signs or poor clearance of lipids from the circulation occur, stop the infusion and initiate a medical evaluation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 , 5.7 ) and Overdosage ( 10 )]. 5.2 Parenteral Nutrition-Associated Liver Disease and Other Hepatobiliary Disorders Risk of Parenteral Nutrition-Associated Liver Disease Parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease (PNALD), also referred to as intestinal failure- associated liver disease (IFALD), can present as cholestasis or hepatic steatosis, and may progress to steatohepatitis with fibrosis and cirrhosis (possibly leading to chronic hepatic failure). The etiology of PNALD is multifactorial; however, intravenously administered phytosterols (plant sterols) contained in plant-derived lipid emulsions, including Intralipid, have been associated with development of PNALD. In a randomized study of neonates and infants expected to be treated with PN for at least 28 days, parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis (PNAC), a precursor to PNALD, developed more frequently in Intralipid-treated patients than patients treated with a 4-oil mixed lipid emulsion. [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 ), Use in Specific Populations ( 8.4 )] . Monitor liver tests in patients treated with Intralipid and consider discontinuation or dosage reduction if abnormalities occur. Other Hepatobiliary Disorders Hepatobiliary disorders including cholecystitis and cholelithiasis have developed in some PN-treated patients without preexisting liver disease. Monitor liver tests when administering Intralipid. Patients developing signs of hepatobiliary disorders should be assessed early to determine whether these conditions are related to Intralipid use. 5.3 Hypersensitivity Reactions Intralipid contains soybean oil and egg phospholipids, which may cause hypersensitivity reactions. Cross reactions have been observed between soybean and peanut. In postmarketing experience, anaphylaxis has been reported following Intralipid administration [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )] . Intralipid is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to egg, soybean, peanut or any of the active or inactive ingredients in Intralipid [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . If a hypersensitivity reaction occurs, stop infusion of Intralipid immediately and initiate appropriate treatment and supportive measures. 5.4 Infections Parenteral nutrition, such as Intralipid, can support microbial growth and is an independent risk factor for the development of catheter-related bloodstream infections. To decrease the risk of infectious complications, ensure aseptic techniques are used for catheter placement, catheter maintenance, and preparation and administration of Intralipid. Monitor for signs and symptoms of infection including fever and chills, as well as laboratory test results that might indicate infection (including leukocytosis and hyperglycemia). Perform frequent checks of the intravenous catheter insertion site for edema, redness, and discharge. 5.5 Fat Overload Syndrome Fat overload syndrome is a rare condition that has been reported with intravenous lipid injectable emulsions and is characterized by a sudden deterioration in the patient's condition (e.g., fever, anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, coagulation disorders, hyperlipidemia, hepatomegaly, deteriorating liver function, and central nervous system manifestations such as coma). A reduced or limited ability to metabolize lipids, accompanied by prolonged plasma clearance (resulting in higher lipid levels), may result in this syndrome. Although fat overload syndrome has been most frequently observed when the recommended lipid dose or infusion rate was exceeded, cases have also been described when the lipid formulation was administered according to instructions. If signs or symptoms of fat overload syndrome occur, stop the infusion of Intralipid. The syndrome is usually reversible when the infusion of the lipid emulsion is stopped. 5.6 Refeeding Syndrome Administering PN to severely malnourished patients may result in refeeding syndrome, which is characterized by the intracellular shift of potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium as patients become anabolic. Thiamine deficiency and fluid retention may also develop. To prevent these complications, closely monitor severely malnourished patients and slowly increase their nutrient intake. 5.7 Hypertriglyceridemia The use of Intralipid is contraindicated in patients with hypertriglyceridemia with serum triglyceride concentrations >1,000 mg/dL. Patients with conditions such as inherited lipid disorders, obesity, diabetes mellitus, or metabolic syndromes have a higher risk of developing hypertriglyceridemia with the use of Intralipid. In addition, patients with hypertriglyceridemia may have worsening of their hypertriglyceridemia with administration of Intralipid. Excessive dextrose administration may further increase such risk. Evaluate patients' capacity to metabolize and eliminate the infused lipid emulsion by measuring serum triglycerides before the start of infusion (baseline value) and regularly throughout treatment. If triglyceride levels are above 400 mg/dL in adults, stop the Intralipid infusion and monitor serum triglyceride levels to avoid clinical consequences of hypertriglyceridemia such as pancreatitis. In pediatric patients with hypertriglyceridemia, lower triglyceride levels (i.e., below 400 mg/dL) may be associated with adverse reactions. Monitor serum triglyceride levels to avoid potential complications with hypertriglyceridemia such as pancreatitis, lipid pneumonitis, and neurologic changes, including kernicterus. To minimize the risk of new or worsening of hypertriglyceridemia, assess high-risk patients for their overall energy intake including other sources of lipids and dextrose, as well as concomitant drugs that may affect lipid and dextrose metabolism. 5.8 Aluminum Toxicity Intralipid contains no more than 25 mcg/L of aluminum. Prolonged PN administration in patients with renal impairment may result in aluminum reaching toxic levels. Preterm neonates are at greater risk because their kidneys are immature, and they require large amounts of calcium and phosphate solutions that contain aluminum. Patients with impaired kidney function, including preterm neonates, who receive parenteral levels of aluminum at greater than 4 to 5 mcg/kg/day can accumulate aluminum at levels associated with central nervous system and bone toxicity. Tissue loading in these patients may occur at even lower rates of administration. 5.9 Monitoring/Laboratory Tests Monitor fluid status closely in patients with pulmonary edema or heart failure. Throughout treatment, monitor serum triglycerides [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )], essential fatty acids, fluid and electrolyte status, serum osmolarity, blood glucose, liver and kidney function, blood count (including platelets), and coagulation parameters. The lipids contained in Intralipid may interfere with some laboratory tests (e.g., hemoglobin, lactate dehydrogenase, bilirubin, oxygen saturation) if blood is sampled before lipids have cleared from the bloodstream. Conduct these tests at least 6 hours after stopping the infusion. Intralipid contains vitamin K that may counteract anticoagulant activity [see Drug Interactions ( 7 )] .