Frequently Asked Questions About Therapeutic Plasma Exchange

As TPE gains traction, we receive many inquiries from interested clients. Here, we have compiled the most common logistical and practical questions to help you decide if TPE is right for you.

1. How often should I do TPE?

The frequency depends on your goals and your baseline health.

• The "Induction" Phase: For someone starting out, especially if they have higher inflammation or are older (50+), we often recommend a protocol similar to the AMBAR trial: One session a week for 4-6 weeks. This provides a "deep clean" to drastically lower the toxin load.
• The "Maintenance" Phase: Once the baseline is reset, maintenance is typically once every 1 to 3 months.
• For Prevention: Younger, healthy individuals (30s-40s) may opt for a quarterly or bi-annual "oil change."

2. Does insurance cover TPE for longevity?

Currently, no. Insurance covers TPE for recognized medical diagnoses (like Myasthenia Gravis or Guillain-Barré). It does not cover TPE for "anti-aging" or general wellness, as the FDA has not yet approved it for this specific indication. It is an out-of-pocket, elective procedure.

3. How much does it cost?

TPE is a resource-intensive procedure involving specialized machinery, nursing staff, and expensive medical-grade albumin.

• Market Rate: In most private wellness clinics, the average price ranges from $7,000 to $12,000 per session.
• VIP TPE Price: We offer the complete TPE procedure for just $7,000. We are committed to making this therapy more accessible without compromising on quality or safety.

4. How long does the procedure take?

It is a streamlined 90-minute experience.

• Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE): Approximately 60 minutes (if no complications).
• IVIG Infusion: We follow the exchange with a 30-minute Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment.
  • Note: IVIG is a very important and expensive immune-boosting therapy that we include in your session at no extra cost.
• Total time in chair: ~90 mins.

5. Does it hurt?

Most patients report minimal discomfort.

• The only pain is the initial stick of the IV needles (similar to a blood draw). We use numbing spray to minimize this.
• Once the procedure starts, it is painless. You can relax, read, or sleep.

6. Can I eat before the procedure?

Yes, please do! We require you to eat a good meal before coming in. Focus on calcium-rich foods (dairy, leafy greens) to help prevent citrate reactions. Do not come in fasting.

7. What are the side effects?

Most patients feel fine. Common, mild side effects include:

• Tingling in lips/fingers (from citrate) - fixed with Tums.
• Feeling cold - fixed with blankets.
• Fatigue afterwards.
• Minor bruising at IV site.

8. Is there an age limit?

There is no strict upper age limit, provided you are cardiovascularly stable. We have successfully treated clients in their 80s. For younger clients, we generally don't recommend TPE under age 30 unless there is a specific medical indication or autoimmune condition, as their bodies are usually efficient enough at detoxifying naturally.

9. Can I exercise afterwards?

We recommend taking the rest of the day off. No heavy lifting or intense cardio for 24 hours to allow the IV sites to heal and your fluid balance to normalize. Light walking is fine.

10. How do I get started?

The first step is a Consultation. We need to review your medical history, check your veins, and run some baseline blood work to ensure you are a safe candidate. Contact our clinic to schedule your initial evaluation.