Lipidem (Omega-3-Acid Triglycerides, Soya-Bean Oil Refined, Triglycerides, Medium Chain)

Lipidem is used in clinical nutrition to address essential fatty acid needs and provide caloric support in patients receiving parenteral therapy.

• Parenteral nutrition: supplies calories and essential omega‑3 fatty acids to patients who cannot receive enteral feeding, supporting metabolic demands.
• Essential fatty acid supplementation: restores omega‑3 and omega‑6 balance in individuals with prolonged intravenous feeding, preventing deficiency‑related skin and hepatic complications.
• Prevention of essential fatty acid deficiency: provides necessary lipid precursors to avoid clinical signs such as dermatitis, alopecia, and impaired wound healing in at‑risk patients.

• Omega‑3‑acid triglycerides are hydrolyzed by lipases after intravenous infusion, releasing free fatty acids that are incorporated into cell membrane phospholipids and serve as substrates for eicosanoid synthesis. The resulting lipid particles provide a dense source of calories and essential fatty acids, supporting membrane integrity, modulating inflammatory pathways, and preventing the biochemical sequelae of essential fatty acid deficiency.

Lipidem may be associated with infusion‑related and metabolic adverse reactions, which are categorized by frequency and severity.

Common Side Effects

• Hypertriglyceridemia: transient rise in serum triglyceride levels after infusion.
• Fever or chills: mild temperature elevation or shivering during or shortly after administration.
• Infusion site reactions: erythema, pain, or swelling at the catheter site.
• Mild elevation of liver enzymes: temporary increase in ALT/AST values.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Fat overload syndrome: severe hypertriglyceridemia with hepatic dysfunction and pancreatitis.
• Anaphylactic reaction: acute hypersensitivity with respiratory distress, hypotension, or urticaria.
• Pulmonary embolism: rare occurrence of lipid emboli causing respiratory compromise.

When using Lipidem, clinicians should observe specific safety measures to minimize risks.

• Monitor triglyceride levels: check serum triglycerides regularly to avoid excessive accumulation.
• Assess liver function: perform baseline and periodic liver enzyme tests during therapy.
• Evaluate coagulation status: watch for bleeding tendencies, especially when combined with anticoagulants.
• Use caution in fish or shellfish allergy: consider alternative lipid sources if hypersensitivity is known.
• Avoid in severe hyperlipidemia: contraindicated for patients with markedly elevated lipid profiles.
• Store at 2-8°C: keep refrigerated, protect from light, do not freeze or shake.

Lipidem can interact with certain medications, influencing lipid metabolism or increasing adverse event risk.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Concomitant lipid emulsions: co‑administration may cause fat overload syndrome.
• High‑dose propofol infusion: both provide lipids, raising triglyceride concentrations excessively.
• Parenteral nutrition containing excessive calories: may result in over‑nutrition and metabolic complications.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Statins: monitor liver enzymes as combined therapy may affect hepatic function.
• Fibrates: observe triglyceride levels to prevent additive hypertriglyceridemia.
• Cyclosporine: watch renal function and lipid profile due to potential synergistic effects.