Type of medicine: intravenous nutrition; hyperalimentation
Generic and brand names: Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN); Peripheral Parenteral Nutrition (PPN)
This product is given by IV (slow drip through a needle into a large vein) when normal feeding by mouth is not possible or is not enough to provide good nutrition. This product contains some or all of the following: amino acids (protein), dextrose (sugar), IV fat emulsion, vitamins, electrolytes, and trace minerals.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
The product is prepared to meet your nutritional needs. If you are receiving Total Parenteral Nutrition, the IV goes into a central vein in your chest, neck, or groin. If you are receiving Peripheral Parenteral Nutrition, the IV goes into a vein in your arm or in the back of your hand.
Your healthcare provider will determine how long you need to receive this treatment. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not change your dose without your healthcare provider's approval. You may have to reduce your dosage gradually.
If you are giving yourself this product, start with clean hands and use sterile technique when handling the IV. Your healthcare provider will show you how to do this. You may be instructed to add a medicine (such as vitamins) to this product just before using the product. Vitamins will make the product turn yellow. This is normal. Do not mix other medicines with this product unless your healthcare provider approves. Also, be sure you understand how to use the IV pump with this product. If you have problems getting your IV to work, contact your healthcare provider. Do not use the medicine if it becomes cloudy or contains particles.
This medicine should be given on a regular schedule, as instructed by your healthcare provider. If you miss a dose or forget to add in a medicine, contact your healthcare provider.
Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.
If you develop any signs of infection such as fever or chills, or redness, swelling or leaking around the area where the IV goes into your skin, contact your healthcare provider. Adults over the age of 65 may be at greater risk for side effects.
You will need to have lab tests regularly to see how well this product is working. Your weight will also be monitored. Your healthcare provider will check you regularly.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Diabetics: This medicine may affect your blood sugar level and change the amount of insulin or other diabetes medicines you may need. Talk to your healthcare provider about this.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Fever; chills; infection; trouble breathing; chest pain; irregular heartbeat; fainting; increased blood sugar; yellow skin or eyes; severe confusion; swelling in hands, ankles, or feet, or any unexplained swelling; unexplained weight changes; severe nausea or vomiting; redness or swelling at the spot where the needle is inserted.
Other: Nausea, diarrhea, flushing, increased urination, thirst.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
This medicine is usually stored in the refrigerator. Ask your healthcare provider how you should store your medicine. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light. Do not use this product past the expiration date on the package.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
