ASGE is closely monitoring IV fluid supply following interruptions in manufacturing as a result of Hurricane Helene. ASGE has been participating in regular updates from federal administration officials and will continue to update this page with additional information and resources as it becomes available.

Supply has been compromised due to the closure of Baxter International’s North Carolina manufacturing facility. The North Carolina site is the largest U.S. manufacturer of intravenous (IV) solutions, including saline and sterile water.

The US Department of Health and Human Services has issued a letter to health care leaders and stakeholders on impacts of Hurricane Helene.

To meet patient needs, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is working to temporarily import some products, including products that were in shortage prior to Hurricane Helene. The FDA provides guidance on compounding drugs when they are on the FDA’s shortage list. The FDA has also asked manufacturers to give FDA data that would allow extension of the shelf life of affected products and is asking those with supply to not dispose of expired products at this time.

Federal officials are calling for modest conservation of products in a manner that does not impact patient care.

Products manufactured at the Baxter North Carolina facility are on allocation to manage inventory. On October 9, Baxter increased U.S. allocation levels of its highest demand IV fluids for direct customers from 40% to 60%, and for distributors from 10% to 60%. Baxter is also increasing high concentration dextrose and sterile water for injection allocations and expects to be in a position to make additional increases for certain product codes by early November.

Baxter has set up an email (hurricanehelenesupport@baxter.com) that existing customers should use for inquiries.

Olympus has also issued a letter on sterile water and saline shortage.

ASGE will continue to monitor latest developments and keep members informed. Please check back on this page regularly for latest updates.

Resources:

HHS Letter to Health Care Leaders and Stakeholders

HHS Document on IV Fluid Shortage Strategies

Food and Drug Administration Updates and Information

Food and Drug Administration Guidance on Drug Compounding

American Society of Health System Pharmacists Suggestions for Fluid Conservation and Management

Olympus Letter on Sterile Water and Saline Shortage

Baxter International Updates

IV Solutions Produced at Baxter North Carolina Facility