Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) (Injection)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

Talk with your doctor before you are given TPN if you have severe liver or kidney disease or if you have severe heart failure.

TPN is a liquid that may include vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrates, and fats. The TPN mixture is made to meet your special needs so your body will get the right amount of nutrients.
TPN is given through a tube put in one of your veins, usually in your chest. This is called intravenous (in-tra-VEEN-us), or IV. A pump is used to give the TPN mixture. It controls how fast the TPN goes into your vein.
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
Check the liquid in the IV bag before you give the TPN. If the bag has a leak or if you see solid pieces in the TPN bag, do not use it. Get a new bag of TPN and tell your health caregiver.
Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
You may need to add vitamins or medicine to the TPN bag before using it. Your health caregiver will show you how.
If you have any questions about your TPN treatments, call your health caregiver.

Your TPN should be given on a regular schedule. If you miss a TPN treatment, try to use it as soon as possible.
Do not use two doses of TPN (twice your usual amount) at the same time. Do not use extra solution to make up for a missed dose.

Some kinds of TPN need to be kept in the refrigerator. Other kinds can be kept at room temperature. Ask your caregiver how you should store your TPN and for how long. Do not freeze the bags.
Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine, containers, and other supplies. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Do not add anything to the TPN mixture unless your doctor or other health caregiver has told you to.

Talk to your doctor before you have your treatments if you have pancreatitis (pancreas disease), high cholesterol, or blood clotting problems.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Change the bandages around your IV tube if they get wet, dirty, or loose. Otherwise, change them every other day, or as often as you have been taught to change them. It is important to keep this area clean to prevent infections. If the skin around your IV tube is infected, it may be red, warm, or tender. It may smell bad or you may see pus or more drainage. Call your health caregiver if you think you have an infection.
Tell your health caregiver if the IV tube is broken or leaking liquid or if you have trouble pushing liquid through the tube.
While you are getting TPN, you may need to have your blood and urine tested to make sure you are getting the right amount of nutrients.