Intralipid is a solution containing soybean oil, egg yolk phospholipids, glycerin and water and is administered intravenously over ~ 3 hours. 

 

Intralipid administration is largely experimental in the fertility setting, with inconsistent evidence regarding its success. Some small studies suggest that intralipid helps to suppress immune cells, including natural killer cells (NKC), from rejecting an embryo following embryo transfer. Due to the limited evidence, there is currently no indication for the routine use of intralipid in the ART setting. 

 

For patients who have experienced recurrent implantation failure or recurrent miscarriage, and have increased NKCs in the uterus, there may be a place for intralipid for suppressing an immune response and improving the chance of implantation and ongoing pregnancy. 

 

Possible risks and consent:

The risks associated with intralipid administration are relatively low. The risks include:

• Rise in body temperature (occurs in less than 3% of patients) 

• Shivering and chills 

• Nausea and vomiting occur (less than 1%) 

• Other relatively rare side effects which have been reported to occur immediately or soon after Intralipid infusion include allergic reactions (skin rash and hives); breathing difficulties (rapid breathing, shortness of breath); effects on blood pressure; abdominal pain; tiredness; headaches; flushing; slight pressure over the eyes and dizziness.

 

There are no known risks associated with having intralipid infusions during pregnancy. 

 

After you have been informed about the infusion and associated risks, you are required to sign a consent form. Dr Agarwal will provide you with this in your appointment. 

 

If you are allergic to soy, peanuts or eggs or you have a history of severe liver or kidney disease, you cannot have this infusion

 

When is it administered? 

Intralipid is generally administered on a day leading up to transfer or on the day of transfer, and again once a positive pregnancy is confirmed by blood test.  

 

Appointment instructions:

• Email Anju's nurse, Alice - nurse@specialistsonhoneysuckle.com.au when you commence your IVF/FET cycle. She will call you to arrange your intralipid appointment. 

• Intralipid administration takes place at Bendigo Day Surgery.

• Stay well hydrated for 24hrs prior to infusion.

• You can continue to eat and drink as normal prior to and during the infusion.

• You must bring the intralipid solution to your appointment ( read below)

• The infusion generally takes 3-4 hours. 

• You can drive after the infusion. 

• Avoid heavy lifting (with the arm used during infusion) for 24hrs post infusion.

 

Where to get the medication?  

The intralipid solution is to be collected from Cura - St John of God Hospital Pharmacy, Bendigo on the day of the infusion. Dr Agarwal will provide you with a prescription.

​

Summary of estimated fees:​

​

​

​

​

​

 

 

​

 

 

​​

**All prices are subject to change; this is an estimated cost only. 

 

Fees are to be paid to respective recipients separately. 

  

**We have tried our best to keep the costs at a minimum with all parties involved. We know that this treatment is experimental and therefore we at  Specialists on Honeysuckle will not be charging any fees for this procedure.