What is a Berlition infusion?
Berlition is a preparation of alpha-lipoic acid, also known as thioctic acid. It is a substance that is produced naturally in the body and takes part in converting nutrients into energy in the cells. At the same time, alpha-lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant — it neutralises free radicals and thus protects nerves and tissues from oxidative damage.
In people with diabetes, long-term raised blood sugar gradually damages the small nerves, most often in the legs and feet. A condition called diabetic (peripheral) neuropathy develops, accompanied by tingling, stinging, burning, numbness or pain. In these cases alpha-lipoic acid is used to ease precisely these symptoms and slow further nerve damage.
When given as an infusion, the medicine reaches the bloodstream directly and acts faster and more fully than when taken by mouth. That is why, in the initial, more intensive phase of treatment, the infusion route is often used, and later the therapy is continued with tablets if needed, at the doctor's assessment.
At Medical Time a Berlition infusion is administered by medical staff in controlled, hospital conditions. Before starting therapy the doctor assesses your condition, existing diseases and the therapy you are already taking, so that the infusion is both effective and safe.
When Berlition is given — indications and symptoms
A Berlition infusion is most often recommended for people with diabetes who have developed signs of peripheral nerve damage. The symptoms usually first appear on the feet and lower legs, and can also affect the hands. The therapy makes the most sense when started early, while the changes in the nerves are still at an early stage.
The most common indications and symptoms for which Berlition is recommended are:
The decision on whether you need Berlition and in what form is made by the doctor, based on the examination, blood sugar level and the severity of the symptoms. Infusion therapy is most useful when it is part of a broader plan that includes good regulation of diabetes.
- tingling, stinging or burning in the feet and lower legs
- numbness and a sensation of “pins and needles” in the legs or hands
- leg pain that worsens at night and disturbs sleep
- a reduced sensation of touch, heat or cold on the feet
- a feeling of weakness or unsteadiness when walking
- diabetic peripheral polyneuropathy confirmed by a doctor
- prevention of the progression of neuropathy in long-standing diabetes
Composition and how Berlition works
The active substance in a Berlition infusion is alpha-lipoic (thioctic) acid. It acts in several ways at once, which explains why it is used precisely for nerve damage caused by diabetes.
Above all, alpha-lipoic acid is a strong antioxidant. With raised blood sugar, an excess of free radicals that damage nerve fibres forms in the tissues. By neutralising these free radicals, the medicine reduces oxidative stress and protects the nerves from further deterioration.
In addition, alpha-lipoic acid improves the utilisation of glucose in the cells and supports nerve function, contributing to better transmission of nerve signals. Thanks to this, many patients feel a reduction in tingling, stinging and pain after therapy, as well as improved sensation in the feet.
It is important to understand that Berlition eases the symptoms and slows nerve damage, but does not replace the basic treatment of diabetes. The best results are achieved when infusion therapy is combined with good regulation of blood sugar, a proper diet and regular physical activity.
What a Berlition infusion looks like — course and duration
Before the first infusion there is a short consultation with a doctor, who checks your health status, allergies and the medicines you take. If all is well, the infusion is administered. The procedure itself is simple and, for most patients, completely painless, apart from a mild needle prick when the cannula is placed.
The infusion is given into a vein, most often in the arm, while the patient sits or lies comfortably. Alpha-lipoic acid is administered diluted, and the solution is released slowly, drop by drop. One infusion usually takes about 30 minutes, depending on the dose and the doctor's instructions. Throughout, the staff are nearby and monitor how you are tolerating the therapy.
The therapy most often does not come down to a single infusion. In the intensive phase of treatment, infusions are given in a series, over several consecutive days or weeks, according to the plan the doctor determines. After that, the therapy is often continued with alpha-lipoic acid tablets, to maintain the achieved effect.
Since the medicine is given slowly and under supervision, the rare adverse reactions can be recognised and managed immediately. This is why the infusion is always given in a facility, and not at home without supervision, except when the doctor specifically arranges it with the presence of medical staff.
Alpha-lipoic acid is sensitive to light, so during administration the infusion is often protected from direct light. This is a usual measure and part of the correct use of the medicine.
Safety and possible side effects
A Berlition infusion is, in practice, well tolerated, and serious reactions are rare. Still, as with any medicine, side effects are possible, which is why the therapy is given under the supervision of medical staff.
The most common are mild and transient reactions, while more serious reactions are rare:
Because of the possible effect on blood sugar levels, people with diabetes are advised to monitor their blood glucose more carefully during therapy. If you take insulin or blood-sugar-lowering tablets, the doctor may adjust the doses to avoid hypoglycaemia (too-low blood sugar).
- transient nausea or stomach discomfort
- a sensation of stinging or irritation at the needle puncture site
- dizziness or headache, usually mild
- excessively fast administration can cause a feeling of pressure in the head or a visual disturbance — which is why the infusion is released slowly
- rarely: a drop in blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) with sweating, trembling and weakness
- very rarely: an allergic reaction (rash, itching, difficulty breathing) requiring urgent management
When Berlition is not given — contraindications and precautions
Berlition is not for everyone and in some situations it is not administered, or is given with particular caution. That is why a consultation with a doctor before therapy is mandatory.
The infusion is not given in known hypersensitivity (allergy) to alpha-lipoic acid or other ingredients of the preparation. Particular caution is needed in people taking therapy for diabetes, as the doses of insulin and oral medicines may be adjusted to avoid too-low blood sugar.
What it is important to inform the doctor about before therapy:
- all the medicines you take, especially therapy for diabetes (insulin, tablets)
- previous allergic reactions to medicines and infusions
- pregnancy, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding
- diseases of the kidneys, liver or heart
- excessive alcohol use, as it can affect nerve damage and the course of treatment
Why have a Berlition infusion at Medical Time
At Medical Time we give a Berlition infusion with continuous medical supervision and an individual approach to each patient. Before starting therapy we assess your condition and the therapy you are already using, and we adjust the course of the infusion so that it is safe and comfortable.
An advantage is also that a laboratory, blood sugar monitoring and specialist consultations are available in one place, so neuropathy is treated as part of broader diabetes care, and not in isolation.
- an infusion with continuous supervision by medical staff
- an individual therapy plan, tailored to your symptoms and condition
- slow and controlled administration of the medicine, with monitoring of how you tolerate it
- the option of blood sugar monitoring and laboratory tests in the same place
- a pleasant setting and kind staff throughout the infusion
- fast booking and advice on continuing therapy with tablets
Price — Berlition infusion
The price of a Berlition infusion depends on the dose, the number of infusions in the series and whether the therapy is combined with additional tests and consultations. You receive the exact price and an appointment quickly, by phone or through the contact form.
For the current price list and a personalised therapy plan, it is best to call us — we will be glad to answer any question.
- Berlition infusion (single)
- Berlition series of infusions (therapy cycle)
- With a medical consultation and an assessment of neuropathy
For the current price and an appointment call 062-399-888 or contact us.
Frequently asked questions about the Berlition infusion
Berlition (alpha-lipoic acid) is used primarily to ease the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy — tingling, stinging, burning and numbness in the feet and hands. It acts as an antioxidant and protects the nerves from further damage.
The infusion itself is painless. You will feel only a brief needle prick when the cannula is placed in the vein. During administration of the medicine most patients feel no discomfort at all.
One infusion usually takes about 30 minutes, as the medicine is released slowly, drop by drop. With a short preparation and a medical assessment, the whole visit is somewhat longer.
The therapy is most often given in a series, over several consecutive days or weeks. The exact number of infusions is determined by the doctor according to the severity of the symptoms, and the therapy is later often continued with tablets.
Berlition eases the symptoms and slows nerve damage, but does not replace the treatment of diabetes. The best results are achieved with good regulation of blood sugar, a proper diet and physical activity.
Mostly yes, but since Berlition can affect blood sugar levels, the doctor may adjust the doses of insulin or tablets. That is why it is important to inform the doctor of all the medicines you take.
The most common are mild and transient reactions — nausea, stomach discomfort or a sensation of stinging at the puncture site. More serious reactions are rare, and the infusion is given under the supervision of staff because of this.
The infusion is not given in a known allergy to alpha-lipoic acid. Particular caution is needed in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and in diseases of the kidneys, liver or heart, which the doctor decides on.