If your fertility specialist has recommended intralipid infusions, you may be looking for plain information about what that actually involves. This guide covers the practical side. The clinical decision, and the reasons behind it, sit with your specialist, who knows your history and your treatment plan.
What intralipid is
Intralipid is a sterile emulsion of soybean oil, egg phospholipids and glycerin in water. It was developed as a source of nutrition given intravenously, and it's a registered medicine in Australia for that purpose. Some fertility specialists prescribe it as part of certain treatment protocols. In that context its use is described as "off-label," meaning it's prescribed based on the specialist's clinical judgement for the individual patient rather than a registered indication. Your specialist can explain the reasoning and the evidence as it applies to you.
An important allergy note
Because intralipid contains soybean oil and egg phospholipids, it may not be suitable for people with egg, soy or peanut allergy, or anyone who has reacted to a lipid emulsion before. Always tell your specialist and your infusion nurse about these allergies.
What the infusion involves
Intralipid is given slowly through a small cannula, over around two hours. Your nurse checks your identity and your specialist's authorisation, takes baseline observations, places the cannula, and monitors you through the infusion. Most people describe it as uneventful: a comfortable chair, a warm drink, a book or a laptop, and time.
Timing
Many intralipid protocols are timed around a treatment cycle. When you book, tell the clinic any dates your specialist has asked you to work around so the appointment lands where it needs to.
Supply
Intralipid can be dispensed by a pharmacy with your specialist's prescription and brought with you, or supplied by the infusion clinic. At Fjör, either works; we confirm your preference when we book you in.
Afterwards
Mild tiredness or a light headache on the day is not unusual. Seek help promptly for any signs of allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or lips, difficulty breathing, or a widespread rash, or for fever, chills or feeling increasingly unwell after the infusion.
Questions for your specialist
- Why intralipid in my case, and what should I expect from it?
- How many infusions, and when in my cycle?
- Which product and dose will be on my authorisation?
- Where should I have the infusions done?
Fjör administers intralipid infusions in the Geelong CBD under your specialist's direction, and works with referring fertility clinics. Learn more about intralipid infusions at Fjör.