Intraperitoneal Nutrition (IPN) for Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Pharmko compounds individualized IPN solutions for malnourished patients with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) on peritoneal dialysis, integrated directly into their existing PD routine, with no additional needle or access site required.
No Additional IV Access Required
Compatible with CCPD & CAPD
USP <797> Sterile Compounding
23+ States Served
Addressing Protein Loss in Peritoneal Dialysis
Patients on peritoneal dialysis with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) lose an average of 5 to 15 grams of protein per day through the peritoneal membrane. Over time, this ongoing protein loss leads to malnutrition, muscle wasting, decreased albumin levels, and reduced quality of life, even when patients follow their prescribed diet carefully.
Pharmko's Intraperitoneal Nutrition (IPN) therapy addresses this directly. We compound individualized amino acid solutions that are substituted for one or more standard dialysis exchanges per day, replenishing the protein and nutrients lost during dialysis, without requiring any additional needle sticks, access sites, or changes to the patient's existing PD schedule.
Our experienced pharmacists work closely with nephrologists, renal dietitians, and PD nurses to ensure each IPN formula is compounded precisely to the patient's current PD regimen, nutritional status, and lab values, and adjusted as their needs evolve.
How IPN Works
Integrated into your patient's existing peritoneal dialysis routine.
1
Prescription & Assessment
Your nephrologist or renal dietitian determines that the patient meets IPN eligibility criteria. A prescription is submitted to Pharmko with the current PD regimen details.
2
Individualized Compounding
Pharmko's pharmacists compound a sterile amino acid solution tailored to the patient's weight, albumin levels, dialysis prescription, and nutritional needs, prepared in our USP <797>-compliant cleanroom.
3
Direct Home Delivery
The IPN solution is delivered directly to the patient's home in temperature-controlled packaging, along with all necessary supplies. Delivery is coordinated around the patient's dialysis schedule.
4
Ongoing Monitoring & Adjustment
Our clinical team reviews lab results regularly and communicates with the care team to adjust the IPN formula as the patient's nutritional status changes over time.
5–15g
of protein lost per day during peritoneal dialysis
Source: Clinical literature on peritoneal dialysis protein losses
Why Protein Replacement Matters
Even dialysis patients who follow their prescribed diet carefully may struggle to compensate for the protein lost through the peritoneal membrane. IPN provides a direct, evidence-based solution, replenishing essential amino acids during the dialysis exchange itself, without adding burden to the patient's routine.
IPN - Who It's For
IPN is indicated for peritoneal dialysis patients with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) who:
Have Low Serum Albumin
Patients with albumin levels below 3.5 g/dL despite dietary counseling and oral nutritional supplements.
Cannot Meet Nutritional Needs Orally
Patients who struggle to maintain adequate protein intake due to poor appetite, dietary restrictions, or GI intolerance to oral supplements.
Are Losing Weight on Dialysis
Patients showing unintentional weight loss or declining muscle mass despite adherence to their prescribed PD regimen.
Have Tried Oral Supplements Without Success
Patients for whom oral nutritional supplementation has been inadequate or poorly tolerated, and who require a more direct nutritional intervention.
IPN is NOT appropriate for patients who are not currently on peritoneal dialysis. For malnourished hemodialysis patients, see our IDPN therapy. For patients with GI failure requiring complete nutritional support, see our TPN therapy.
Why Providers Choose Pharmko for IPN
Individualized Sterile Compounding
Each IPN solution is compounded in our USP <797>-compliant cleanroom based on the patient's exact PD regimen, lab values, and clinical status. No standard formulas, every prescription is patient-specific.
No Additional Access Required
IPN is substituted for one or more of the patient's standard peritoneal dialysis exchanges — compatible with both CCPD cyclers and CAPD. No extra needle sticks or IV lines needed.
Hassle-Free Prior Authorizations
Our team coordinates all insurance verification and prior authorization processes on behalf of the prescriber. We handle the administrative complexity so your clinical team can focus on patient care.
Direct Clinical Coordination
Our pharmacists maintain close communication with nephrologists, renal dietitians, and PD nurses — reviewing labs regularly and adjusting formulations as the patient's nutritional status evolves.
Starting IPN Therapy: Eligibility & Referral
Clinical Indicators for IPN
IPN should be considered when a peritoneal dialysis patient with ESRD presents with:
Serum albumin consistently below 3.5 g/dL
Unintentional weight loss or muscle wasting
Inadequate protein intake despite dietary counseling
Failed trial of oral nutritional supplements
No contraindications to increased peritoneal protein load
1
Step 1 — Physician Referral
Your nephrologist submits a prescription for IPN with clinical justification, current PD regimen (bag size, dextrose concentration, number of exchanges), and patient labs.
2
Step 2 — Insurance Verification
Pharmko handles all prior authorization and insurance verification. Most cases are resolved within 5 to 7 business days.
3
Step 3 — Formulation & Delivery
We compound the patient-specific IPN solution and deliver it directly to the patient's home, coordinated with their dialysis schedule.
4
Step 4 — Ongoing Monitoring
Our clinical team reviews albumin, prealbumin, and other nutritional markers regularly, communicating updates and formula adjustments with the prescribing team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between IPN and IDPN?
IDPN (Intradialytic Parenteral Nutrition) is for patients on hemodialysis — it is infused through the dialysis circuit during a hemodialysis session. IPN is for patients on peritoneal dialysis, it is added directly to the peritoneal dialysate, substituting one or more standard PD exchanges. Both therapies address malnutrition in dialysis patients, but they are used for different dialysis modalities.
Will my patient need an additional needle or IV line for IPN?
No. IPN is administered using the patient's existing peritoneal catheter, in the same way as their standard PD exchanges. No additional needle sticks or IV access are required, making it easy to integrate into the patient's home routine.
Is IPN compatible with automated cyclers (CCPD) and manual exchanges (CAPD)?
Yes. Pharmko's IPN solutions are compatible with both CCPD (cycler) and CAPD (manual exchange) regimens. The IPN is typically administered as the last cycler exchange or as a manual daytime exchange, depending on the patient's prescribed regimen.
How long does a patient typically stay on IPN therapy?
Duration varies by patient. Some patients require several months of therapy to restore nutritional status, while others may need longer-term support. Your nephrologist and renal dietitian will monitor albumin levels and other markers to determine when therapeutic goals have been met.
Does insurance cover IPN therapy?
Most commercial insurance plans, Medicare, and Medicaid cover IPN when medically necessary criteria are met. Pharmko handles all insurance verification and prior authorization processes on your behalf.
How quickly can Pharmko initiate IPN therapy after a referral?
In most cases, Pharmko can initiate therapy within 5 to 10 business days of receiving a complete referral, including insurance verification and delivery coordination.
Get Started with IPN at Home
Let us handle the logistics—so you can focus on your recovery. 1 (877) 540-2003
Specialized IPN Solutions
Sterile intraperitoneal nutrition prepared for patients with GI failure or advanced nutritional challenges.
Hassle-Free Prior Authorizations
Seamless coordination of prior authorizations and payer requirements.
Empowering Patients & Caregivers
Personalized education and support for patients and caregivers.
Delivery That Fits Your Life
Flexible delivery options aligned with treatment schedules and preferences.
