11/16/2017

FDA Update on IV Fluid Shortage

FDA Update on IV Fluid Shortage

On Nov. 14, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted information on its ongoing efforts to resolve the intravenous (IV) fluid shortage. FDA has not objected to the temporary import of IV fluids from Baxter facilities in Ireland, Australia, Mexico, and Canada and from B. Braun in Germany; however, B. Braun recently announced they were slowing production.

In addition to the temporary imports, FDA continues to expedite review of drug applications that may help relieve shortages. The agency recently approved Fresenius Kabi and Laboratorios Grifols saline products and anticipates that availability of these products will help address the shortage. Currently, Fresenius Kabi anticipates limited availability in December 2017, and Laboratorios Grifols has listed their estimated date as "TBD."

For more information on the availability of sodium chloride 0.9% injection, including information provided by the companies, see this dedicated web page available on the FDA webpage. Information on all current drug shortages is also available from the FDA drug shortage database.