Kidney Disease FAQ's: LIPOSORBER® Treatment
LIPOSORBER is a specialized extracorporeal therapy—meaning it is performed outside the body—that helps patients achieve recommended therapeutic targets when standard drug therapies and diet fail. This treatment acutely reduces harmful cholesterol agents: Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) and Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]. It is prescribed for patients 5 years of age or older and weighing no less than 21kg (46 lbs).
LIPOSORBER® is indicated for use in both pediatric and adult patients diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome associated with primary FSGS (Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis) under specific conditions:
- When standard treatment options (like corticosteroids and/or calcineurin inhibitors) are unsuccessful or poorly tolerated, and the patient’s glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is greater than or equal to 60 mL/min/1.73 m2
- OR the patient has received a renal transplant (post-renal transplantation).
The LIPOSORBER® treatment procedure typically takes 2-4 hours. It is designed to be safe and comfortable, with less than a pint of your blood circulating outside your body at any given time.
The process involves:
- Separation: Whole blood is processed to separate the liquid plasma from the blood cells.
- Purification: Harmful LDL cholesterol and Lp(a) are specifically removed from the plasma.
- Return: The cleansed plasma is recombined with the blood, warmed to body temperature, and returned to the patient.
The LIPOSORBER® system uses disposable components and an automated computer to control and monitor the process carefully.
The LIPOSORBER® treatment is currently offered at more than 70 locations across the United States and Canada, and the network of certified facilities is expanding regularly.
LIPOSORBER® has a strong record of safety. It received FDA approval in 1996 and has been used worldwide since 1986, with over 600,000 treatments performed on more than 6,000 patients.
The most common adverse events are:
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Nausea/vomiting
- Flushing/blotching
Other reported, but less frequent, reactions include angina/chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, lightheadedness, and anemia.
For complete safety information, including additional contraindications, please visit:
Yes. For the indicated patient population with severe cholesterol issues linked to kidney disease, LIPOSORBER® treatment is generally considered medically necessary. It is covered by many insurance and managed care plans. We strongly recommend consulting directly with your insurance carrier to confirm your specific coverage details.