Cardio FAQ's
What is LIPOSORBER®?
LIPOSORBER is an extracorporeal therapy that enables patients to attain the recommended therapeutic targets when diet and maximum drug therapies have failed. LIPOSORBER is shown to acutely reduce harmful cholesterol agents: Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C), Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]. It can be prescribed to patients that are at least 5 years of age and weigh no less than 15kg (33 lbs).
Who benefits from LIPOSORBER® treatment?
LIPOSORBER® is indicated for use in clinically diagnosed Familial Hypercholesterolemic patients with either documented Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)* or Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) †, if:
- LDL-C ≥ 100mg/dL or Lp(a) ≥ 60 mg/dL and LDL-C ≥ 100mg/dL and diet and maximum tolerable combination lipid-lowering drug therapies have failed to achieve the establish therapeutic targets per profesional guidelines.
Please take our quiz or ask your doctor to confirm if you are a candidate for LIPOSORBER® treatment.
How is the LIPOSORBER® treatment performed?
On average, the entire procedure is completed in 2-4 hours. At all times, less than a pint of your blood and plasma will be circulating through the LIPOSORBER® treatment machine.
During the procedure, the plasma is separated from the whole blood and the bad LDL cholesterol and Lp(a) are removed from the plasma. Then the plasma and blood are recombined, warmed and returned back to you.
The LIPOSORBER® consists of disposable components and an automated computer machine that controls and monitors you each step of the way.
In order for LIPOSORBER® treatment to maintain a lower level of Lp(a) and LDL cholesterol in the blood, patients should repeat the procedure regularly. In general, individuals with LDL cholesterol levels starting above 300 mg/dl after diet and maximum tolerated drug therapy should be treated once per week, and individuals with LDL cholesterol levels starting at 200 mg/dl will usually be treated once every two weeks. LIPOSORBER® treatment is regarded as a lifelong therapy. Patients must continue their diet and cholesterol-lowering medications after starting the LIPOSORBER® treatment. Patients should consult with their treating physician for a personalized procedure recommendation.
Find out more about the treatment
During the procedure, the plasma is separated from the whole blood and the bad LDL cholesterol and Lp(a) are removed from the plasma. Then the plasma and blood are recombined, warmed and returned back to you.
The LIPOSORBER® consists of disposable components and an automated computer machine that controls and monitors you each step of the way.
In order for LIPOSORBER® treatment to maintain a lower level of Lp(a) and LDL cholesterol in the blood, patients should repeat the procedure regularly. In general, individuals with LDL cholesterol levels starting above 300 mg/dl after diet and maximum tolerated drug therapy should be treated once per week, and individuals with LDL cholesterol levels starting at 200 mg/dl will usually be treated once every two weeks. LIPOSORBER® treatment is regarded as a lifelong therapy. Patients must continue their diet and cholesterol-lowering medications after starting the LIPOSORBER® treatment. Patients should consult with their treating physician for a personalized procedure recommendation.
Find out more about the treatment
Where is the treatment available?
There are more than 50 locations across the United States and Canada that offer LIPOSORBER® treatment with new facilities added regularly.
Are there any side effects or adverse reactions resulting from treatment?
LIPOSORBER® received FDA approval in 1996. It has been in worldwide use since 1986 with more than 600,000 LIPOSORBER® treatments performed on over 6,000 patients.
The most common adverse events are hypotension (0.8%), nausea/vomiting (0.5%), and flushing/blotching (0.4%). Other adverse reactions include angina/chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, lightheadedness and anemia.1
Angiotensin converting enzyme [ACEI(s)] inhibitors are contraindicated with LIPOSORBER due to possible bradykinin reaction. ACEI(s) should be replaced with angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) or any other antihypertensive agent as determined by your prescribing doctor.1
For complete safety information, including adverse events and additional contraindications, please visit: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf17/H170002D.pdf
The most common adverse events are hypotension (0.8%), nausea/vomiting (0.5%), and flushing/blotching (0.4%). Other adverse reactions include angina/chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, lightheadedness and anemia.1
Angiotensin converting enzyme [ACEI(s)] inhibitors are contraindicated with LIPOSORBER due to possible bradykinin reaction. ACEI(s) should be replaced with angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) or any other antihypertensive agent as determined by your prescribing doctor.1
For complete safety information, including adverse events and additional contraindications, please visit: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf17/H170002D.pdf
Is the cost of treatment covered by insurance?
For the indicated patient population, LIPOSORBER® treatment is considered medically necessary and is covered by many insurance and managed care plans. Please consult with your insurance carrier to determine whether treatment is covered. Find out more about coverage for LIPOSORBER®
