Hurricane Helene caused flooding at Baxter’s North Cove manufacturing plant in North Carolina, forcing its closure. Baxter manufactures a large portion of the IV fluids distributed in the United States, increasing the likelihood of shortages in the coming months.
To mitigate the impact, shipments from other Baxter locations will be increased and distributed across the U.S. The FDA is temporarily permitting the importation of IV fluids from Baxter facilities in other countries and has issued guidance titled “Temporary Policies for Compounding Certain Parenteral Drug Products,” allowing pharmacies and outsourcing facilities to compound these fluids.
During shortages, explore alternative sources of medications and identify local compounding pharmacies. Manufacturers may seek FDA approval to extend expiration dates on short-dated products, with updates provided on the FDA’s drug shortage webpage.
How does this impact veterinarians? Normal saline injection and irrigation, dextrose 5% injection, sterile water injection and irrigation, and lactated ringer’s injection are on the FDA’s shortage list. Expect purchasing limits on these IV fluids until supplies are replenished.
Consider alternative sources for IV fluids and check if other size bags are available. Explore the option of compounded IV fluids from FDA-approved outsourcing facilities. If supplies become extremely limited, it may be necessary to postpone elective procedures to preserve the IV fluids for critical cases and life-saving surgeries. Consider partnering with veterinary colleagues at other clinics to source IV fluids and share resources.
By Lauralei Fisher-Cronkhite, PharmD, DICVP, FSVHP
References
- Baxter. Hurricane Helene Updates. Updated October 21, 2024. Accessed October 21, 2024. www.baxter.com/baxter-newsroom/hurricane-helene-updates
- FDA. FDA Drug Shortages. Accessed October 21,dps.fda.gov/drugshortages
- FDA. Hurricane Helene: Baxter’s manufacturing recovery in North Carolina. Updated October 17, 2024. Accessed October 21, 2024. www.fda.gov/drugs/updates-2024-hurricane-season/hurricane-helene-baxters-manufacturing-recovery-north-carolina
- US Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Temporary Policies for Compounding Certain Parenteral Drug Products Guidance for Industry. FDA. October 2024. Accessed October 18, 2024. www.fda.gov/media/182632/download
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Fact Sheet: Biden-Harris Administration Takes Action to Ensure Americans Can Access Medical Supplies Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton. October 11, 2024. Accessed October 21, www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/10/11/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-takes-action-ensure-americans-can-access-medical-supplies-following-hurricanes-helene-milton.html
