Medication Description
- Lipo-C (MIC + L-Carnitine + Chromium Picolinate + B12) – Clear to pale yellow injectable solution containing Methionine, Inositol, Choline Chloride, L-Carnitine, Chromium Picolinate, and Vitamin B12 (concentration and dose will vary per your prescription)
- Lipo-C (MIC + Dexpanthenol + Ascorbic Acid) – Clear injectable solution containing Methionine, Inositol, Choline Chloride, Dexpanthenol (Vitamin B5), and Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) (concentration and dose will vary per your prescription)
Drug Forms: Compounded Intramuscular/Subcutaneous Injectable Solutions, do not administer by IV
What is Lipo-C?
Lipo-C refers to a class of compounded “lipotropic” injections built on a core of Methionine, Inositol, and Choline (“MIC”) — nutrients involved in fat metabolism and liver function. Depending on your prescription, additional nutrients such as L-Carnitine, Chromium Picolinate, and Vitamin B12, or Dexpanthenol (Vitamin B5) and Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), are added to support energy production and overall wellness. Lipo-C is not FDA-approved for weight loss and is intended as a nutritional adjunct alongside a diet, exercise, and wellness plan directed by your prescriber.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
- Allergy to Methionine, Inositol, Choline, L-Carnitine, Chromium, Vitamin B12, Dexpanthenol, Ascorbic Acid, or any additive
- History of kidney or liver disease
- History of kidney stones (relevant to the Ascorbic Acid/Vitamin C formula)
- History of diabetes or blood sugar regulation issues (relevant to the Chromium Picolinate formula)
- Pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding
How should I use this medicine?
Follow the package directions provided by the pharmacy and your prescriber. Your dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
- Visually inspect the vial, making sure not to use it if it’s cloudy or contains any particulates.
- Let the vial warm to room temperature before injecting.
- Wash your hands and clean the injection site with an alcohol swab.
- Wipe the rubber stopper on top of the vial with an alcohol wipe. Draw the correct dose into the syringe.
- Pinch the skin at your chosen injection site, making sure to rotate injection sites (commonly the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm).
- Insert the needle at the angle indicated by your prescriber for your injection type.
- Inject slowly and steadily, then remove the needle.
- Dispose of all used needles and syringes immediately in an FDA-cleared sharps container. Visit safeneedledisposal.org to find a drop-off location.
What if I miss a dose?
- If a dose is missed, administer it as soon as possible unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose.
- Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
- Contact your provider if you have questions about your dosing schedule.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
- Signs of an allergic reaction: hives, rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, trouble breathing
- Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
- A mild, transient body or urine odor from methionine/choline metabolism — this is expected and not a cause for concern unless severe or persistent
- Signs of low blood sugar if you also take diabetes medication (relevant to the Chromium Picolinate formula)
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that may occur and may go away as your body gets used to the medication include:
- Injection site soreness, bruising, or mild irritation
- Mild nausea, loose stools, or other gastrointestinal upset
- Headache or mild fatigue
- Flushing or a warm sensation
What serious side effects prompt immediate attention?
Contact your doctor immediately or seek medical attention if you experience:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, including hives, swelling, chest tightness, or trouble breathing
- Severe or worsening injection site reaction
- Severe flank or abdominal pain (possible sign of kidney stones — Ascorbic Acid formula)
- Signs of low blood sugar (shakiness, sweating, confusion — Chromium Picolinate formula, especially if combined with diabetes medication)
You may experience side effects not listed. Contact your doctor with questions. An allergic reaction to this medication is unlikely but seek medical attention if it occurs.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to Methionine, Inositol, Choline, L-Carnitine, Chromium Picolinate, Vitamin B12, Dexpanthenol, Ascorbic Acid, or any component of the formulation. Use with caution in patients with significant renal impairment.
What may interact with this medicine?
- Blood sugar-lowering medications — Chromium Picolinate may enhance their effect
- Blood thinners — high-dose Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) may interact
- Discuss your full medication and supplement regimen with your health care provider to determine the best therapy for you
This is not a complete list of all possible interactions. Always inform your doctor and pharmacist of all medications, supplements, and herbal products you take, especially before starting or stopping any new medication.
Additional Information
- Store medication under refrigeration and protect from light unless otherwise directed by your pharmacy.
- Do not share this medication with others to whom it was not prescribed.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Do not use after the expiration date or Beyond Use Date on your label.
- If an overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 or go to the nearest emergency room.
- Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain. Check with your pharmacist about the best way to dispose of medications. There may be a drug take-back program in your area.
Reporting Side Effects
If you have any questions concerning this or any of your medications, a pharmacist is available during normal business hours to answer your questions. You can report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medication or any other medication. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does not include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. For questions about the source of any of the information provided herein, pharmacists at Pharmacy are available. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of this medicine.
Important: Compounded medications are not evaluated or approved by the FDA for safety, efficacy, or quality.