FAQs - IDPN
Introduction: NutrePletion Resources is a specialty pharmacy providing nutritional support therapies to end stage renal disease patients. With extensive experience in providing IDPN, our staff of clinicians works closely with patients and renal care professionals in administering this complex therapy.
It is important for patients to understand the therapy they are receiving - that's why we are here to support you and answer any questions you may have about this therapy .
What is IDPN?
What is the purpose of IDPN?
How is IDPN administered?
Is IDPN safe?
How is IDPN therapy paid for?
Can I travel when I am on IDPN therapy?
The IDPN solution looks like milk, does it contain a large amount of Potassium or Phosphorus?
I am allergic to eggs and/or dairy products - can I still receive IDPN?
What if I am hospitalized, can I still receive my IDPN therapy?
Are there any side effects to the IDPN?
How long do I have to receive IDPN?
Will I receive too much fluid for IDPN?
Am I going to have to restrict my fluid intake more that I already do?
How many times a week will I receive IDPN therapy?
Do I need to worry about the amount of sugar in the IDPN solution?
Would IDPN ever cause me to have a low blood sugar?
What is IDPN?
Intradialytic Parenteral Nutrition, IDPN, is a noninvasive nutritional support therapy for people on hemodialysis who have a difficult time maintaining adequate nutrition. IDPN therapy is an IV solution containing three main ingredients, sugar, protein and fat, which help to replace the nutrients lost during dialysis treatments.
What is the purpose of IDPN?
While the effects on each patient are different, some patients may experience an improvement in dry body weight and energy levels. They are also able to build lean muscle mass, are better able to fight off infection and show improvement in their strength and appetite.
How is IDPN administered?
IDPN is given through an existing dialysis access catheter or site, so no additional needle stick is necessary. Patients will not taste or smell the solution and it is administered at the same time as your dialysis treatment.
Is IDPN safe?
The IDPN solution is administered under the clinical supervision of your dialysis center nurse and can be done safely.
How is IDPN therapy paid for?
If patients meet specific qualification requirements, IDPN may be covered under Medicare, Medicaid and certain private insurances.
Can I travel when I am on IDPN therapy?
IDPN can be shipped to any facility where dialysis treatments are being received.
The IDPN solution looks like milk, does it contain a large amount of Potassium or Phosphorus?
IDPN contains no potassium or phosphorus. Although IPDN does have a milky-white appearance, there is no trace of milk in the solution. The milky white appearance is produced by the lipid or fat component of the solution.
I am allergic to eggs and/or dairy products - can I still receive IDPN?
If you are allergic to eggs, the fat will be left OUT of your IDPN solution. Prior to beginning therapy, your nurse or your renal dietitian will review any allergies you may have.
What if I am hospitalized, can I still receive my IDPN therapy?
If you are hospitalized, your IDPN infusions will be placed on hold until you are discharged.
Are there any side effects to the IDPN?
Some of the most common side effects of IDPN include nausea, headache, fever, increased muscle cramping, dizziness, low blood sugar and a sense of feeling full. However, these are usually minimal and can be controlled with gradual increases in your solution administration rate and/or medications.
How long do I have to receive IDPN?
The length of time you will remain on IDPN therapy varies from person to person and is dependent on individual patient goals and the severity of the patient's malnutrition. Your physician and dialysis center staff will determine when these goals have been achieved.
Will I receive too much fluid for IDPN?
There is very low risk of fluid overload. Fluid will be removed during dialysis, while calories and protein from the IDPN will be absorbed.
Am I going to have to restrict my fluid intake more that I already do?
IDPN does not affect daily fluid restriction.
How many times a week will I receive IDPN therapy?
You will receive IDPN therapy at every dialysis treatment and for the duration of your treatment until you no longer require the additional nutritional support.
Do I need to worry about the amount of sugar in the IDPN solution?
The amount of sugar within the IDPN solution may cause high blood sugar in non-diabetics. For this reason, blood sugars are checked before, during and after each treatment. For those that may experience high blood sugar, regular insulin can be given during IDPN therapy.
Would IDPN ever cause me to have a low blood sugar?
Some people may experience low blood sugar after treatment. If this occurs, eating a snack as soon as treatment is over will protect against low blood sugar.
Precautions
Discuss the risks and benefits of this therapy with your doctor, nurse, and renal dietitian. If you have additional questions regarding IDPN, please contact NutrePletion Resources to speak with one of our renal dietitians at 800.626.4427.