FAQs - IPN
Introduction: NutrePletion Resources is a specialty pharmacy providing nutritional support therapies to end stage renal disease patients. With extensive experience in providing IPN, 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 help answer any questions you may have about this therapy.
What is IPN?
What is the purpose of IPN?
How is IPN administered?
Is IPN safe?
How are IPN treatments paid for?
Can I travel when I am on IPN therapy?
Will I have to increase the number of my peritoneal dialysis exchanges to receive the IPN?
Does IPN contain a large amount of potassium or phosphorus?
Am I going to have to restrict my fluid intake?
What is the difference between my usual exchange/solution compared to the IPN exchange/solution?
Are there any side effects to IPN?
How long do I have receive IPN?
Will I receive too much fluid?
How many times a day will I receive IPN?
Do I have to change the amount of insulin I use?
If I am on a cycler, can I still receive IPN?
What is IPN?
Intraperitonial Parenteral Nutrition, IPN, also known as Intraperitoneal Amino Acids, (IPAA),is a noninvasive nutrition therapy for people on peritoneal dialysis and contains amino acids (protein) for additional nutritional support. It is for people who can not eat enough food or drink enough nutrition supplements through eating alone and need extra protein calories to improve their health and well-being.
What is the purpose of IPN?
While the effects on each patient are different, some may experience an improvement in dry body weight and energy levels, are able to build lean muscle mass, are better able to fight off infection and can improve their strength and appetite.
How is IPN administered?
IPN is administered through your peritoneal dialysis (PD) exchanges, so no additional access site or needle stick is necessary. You will not taste or smell the solution and it is administered at the same time as your dialysis treatment.
Is IPN safe?
IPN is administered under the clinical supervision of your dialysis centers nurse and can be done safely.
How are IPN treatments paid for?
If patients meet specific qualification requirements, IPN may be covered under Medicaid and certain private insurances.
Can I travel when I am on IPN therapy?
IPN can be shipped to your home or any other facility where you might be staying while traveling and administering your PD exchanges.
Will I have to increase the number of my peritoneal dialysis exchanges to receive the IPN?
IPN will be mixed with one or two of your daily PD exchanges. It will be administered at the same time as your dialysis exchanges.
Does IPN contain a large amount of potassium or phosphorus?
There is no potassium or phosphorus in IPN. The solution is made of amino acids (protein) which are added to your PD solution.
Am I going to have to restrict my fluid intake?
IPN does not affect daily fluid restriction.
What is the difference between my usual exchange/solution compared to the IPN exchange/solution?
IPN mimics your usual exchange/solution that your physician and nurse have ordered. The difference is that the amino acids (protein) replace the usual (dextrose) sugar and less total dextrose (sugar) is absorbed.
Are there any side effects to IPN?
Some of the most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, headache, fever, increased muscle cramping, dizziness and a sense of feeling full. However these are usually minimal and can be controlled with medication if necessary.
How long do I have receive IPN?
The length of IPN therapy varies from person to person, and is dependent on individual patient goals and the stage of malnutrition. Your physician and dialysis unit staff will determine when these goals have been achieved.
Will I receive too much fluid?
There is very low risk of fluid overload since fluid will be removed during dialysis while calories and protein are absorbed.
How many times a day will I receive IPN?
You will receive IPN therapy 1 to 2 times a day when you have a dialysis exchange and for the duration of your treatment until you no longer need additional nutritional support.
Do I have to change the amount of insulin I use?
No, however, remember to eat before and after receiving the IPN since the sugar in your typical exchange bag is replaced by protein in the IPN exchange bag.
If I am on a cycler, can I still receive IPN?
IPN can be given as your daytime dwell (as long as it only dwells a maximum of 6 hours) or it can be as a manual exchange before or immediately after you cycler exchanges.
Precautions
Discuss the risks and benefits of this therapy with your doctor, nurse, and renal dietitian. If you have additional questions regarding IPN, please contact NutrePletion Resources to speak with one of our renal dietitians at 800.626.4427.