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Omegaven vs. Smoflipid

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Summary for Omegaven

Prescription only

Omegaven is an intravenous (IV) lipid supplement that's made with fish oil. It's a source of calories and fatty acids for children with liver problems caused by long-term parenteral nutrition (or TPN). This condition is called parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis (PNAC). Omegaven is given as an infusion into the vein over 8 to 24 hours, depending on your child's needs. Side effects include vomiting and restlessness.

Indications for Omegaven

Pros and Cons for Omegaven

Pros

  • Helps provide a source of calories and essential fats to children with PNAC
  • Shown to improve PNAC by lowering inflammation
  • Possible to give at home

Cons

  • Not a good option if your child has an allergy to fish or egg, since it contains fish oil and egg proteins
  • Not used to prevent PNAC
  • Not approved for use in adults

Common Side Effects for Omegaven

  • Vomiting (46%)
  • Irritated or restless behavior (35%)
  • Low heart rate (35%)
  • Episodes of pauses in breathing (apnea; 20%)
  • Viral infection (16%)
  • Skin redness (12%)

Warnings for Omegaven

  • Risk of serious harm if it's infused too fast
  • Serious allergic reactions
  • Risk of infections
  • Problems related to receiving too much lipids (fat overload syndrome)
  • High triglyceride (fat) levels
  • Aluminum toxicity

Summary for Smoflipid

Prescription only

SMOFlipid is the first and only injectable lipid supplement that contains 4 different kinds of fats: soybean oil, medium chain triglycerides, olive oil, and fish oil. It's for people on total parenteral nutrition (TPN) who aren't able to eat or drink. It can be used by children, including babies who are born before their due date, as well as adults. Some common side effects caused by SMOFlipid include nausea, vomiting, and infections.

Indications for Smoflipid

Pros and Cons for Smoflipid

Pros

  • Well-balanced source of fat since it contains four different types of fat
  • Works well to provide a source of calories and essential fatty acids to people who can't eat or drink
  • Appears to be safer compared to other available lipid supplements
  • Can be used in people of all ages

Cons

  • Has risk of liver problems
  • Brand name only, which can be expensive
  • Only given by injection through the veins
  • Might raise your risk of infection

Common Side Effects for Smoflipid

Adults:

  • Nausea (9%)
  • Vomiting (7%)
  • High blood sugar (5%)

Children:

  • Low red blood cell count (18%)
  • Vomiting (9%)
  • Liver damage (6%)
  • Infection (6%)

Warnings for Smoflipid

  • Liver problems
  • Serious allergic reactions
  • Risk of infections
  • Too much IV lipids (fat overload syndrome)
  • High triglyceride (fat) levels
  • Aluminum toxicity

Prices with our coupons for Omegaven vs. Smoflipid

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Omegaven10 cartons / 10 bottles of 100ml
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Smoflipid7 bags / 250ml of 0.2g/ml
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