The Food and Drug Administration has authorized temporary importation of 23 different IV and peritoneal dialysis fluids from 5 Baxter production facilities around the world to address the shortage of these products in the United States in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which severely damaged a key Baxter plant in North Carolina 3 weeks ago. The company says the plant will restart production within weeks, and the projected 18,000 tons of imported product deliveries should fill 200 large aircraft. Products began arriving earlier this week.
Providers feel the pinch: This isn’t the first time providers have struggled with IV fluid shortages, according to NBC. Saline solution, sterile water, and dextrose solution all have been experiencing shortages for several years, attributed to their low profitability in the market. IV fluid is produced by 4 manufacturers in the United States: Baxter International (60%), B. Braun Medical (23%), and smaller market share among ICU Medical and Fresenius Kabi. Experts believe stockpiling the supply of IV fluids in preparation for potential shortage situations wouldn’t be a practical or affordable approach. Read more from the JUCM archive: Which IV Infusion Services are Most Appropriate for Urgent Care?
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