Intralipids are a liquid emulsion of fat.  It is mainly composed of soybean oil and egg fats.    Intralipids can be used along with conventional fertility treatments.  Researchers believe it acts to suppress the body’s Natural Killer Cells.  These cells may attack the sperm or egg and possibly the cells of the developing fetus.  This is an IV infusion that is performed in our office and generally takes approximately 20-30 minutes.  The recommendation is to infuse Intralipids before IUI / Egg Retrieval / Embryo Transfer and weekly thereafter to 12-14 weeks gestation.

Intralipids need to be used with extreme caution in patients who have diseases that may affect the function of the liver or kidneys.  These may include but are not limited to; diabetes, liver failure, hepatitis, cirrhosis, kidney disease, sepsis or metabolic disorders.  People who have an allergy to soybeans or eggs are unable to receive Intralipid therapy.

As with any medication, there are side effects that may be experienced.  The side effects are often related to the rate of infusion and will lessen if the infusion is stopped.  The possible side effects may include; fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, headache, back pain, chest pain or difficulty breathing.  If you experience any of these side effects during or after your infusion please let the nurses know.  There is also the potential of an allergic reaction.  Should this occur the infusion will be stopped immediately and the necessary actions will be taken to treat the reaction.