Omegaven (Glycerol, Highly Refined Fish Oil, Purified Egg Phosphatide)

Omegaven is used in clinical nutrition to support patients with specific metabolic needs related to lipid metabolism.

• Premature infants: Provides essential fatty acids essential for growth and visual development.
• Post‑surgical patients: Supplies calories and essential fatty acids to aid recovery.
• Patients with intestinal failure: Helps maintain energy balance while reducing risk of liver disease.

• Omegaven delivers a mixture of long‑chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, primarily omega‑3 fatty acids from fish oil, together with glycerol and phospholipids that form stable emulsion droplets. These droplets are taken up by reticulo‑reticular cells, providing triglycerides that are hydrolyzed to free fatty acids for cellular energy, membrane synthesis and production of anti‑inflammatory eicosanoids.

Adverse reactions to Omegaven are reported across a range of severity.

Common Side Effects

• Hyperlipidaemia: Elevated blood triglyceride levels.
• Fever: Transient rise in body temperature during infusion.
• Thrombocytopenia: Reduced platelet count observed in some patients.
• Mild respiratory distress: Temporary breathing difficulty during administration.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Anaphylactic reaction: Acute hypersensitivity requiring immediate medical intervention.
• Fat embolism syndrome: Rare occurrence of fat droplets obstructing pulmonary vessels.
• Severe infection: Potential contamination‑related sepsis if aseptic technique is breached.
• Hepatobiliary dysfunction: Marked elevation of liver enzymes or cholestasis.

When using Omegaven, clinicians should consider several safety measures.

• Monitor triglyceride levels: Regular blood tests are needed to avoid hypertriglyceridaemia.
• Assess liver function: Liver enzymes and bilir un‑​ un  un un un un un un un un un un un un un un un un un un un un un un un un un un un un un un un ...
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