Federal officials and Baxter provided updates Thursday on efforts to address IV solution shortages caused by the recent closure of Baxter’s North Carolina plant, per a special bulletin release from the American Hospital Association. Baxter launched a dedicated email address (hurricanehelenesupport@baxter.com) for hospitals needing urgent product assistance Friday and will post updates on its website twice a week.

Last week, direct customers received a 40% product allocation, while distributors received 10% due to stockpiles; going forward, both groups will receive equal allocation. The FDA advised hospitals to retain expired products as they plan to extend some shelf lives and is importing overseas products to meet demand, ensuring quality. Additionally, the FDA lifted the 1-mile distribution rule, allowing hospitals to share products more freely.

B. Braun, another major IV solution manufacturer, confirmed its Daytona Beach site was minimally impacted by Hurricane Milton and will resume operations, working with the federal government to protect product supply.

Visit this AHA webpage for more information and resources, including conservation strategies, on the situation.

OHA Publishes Briefing Materials, Website Link for IV Solutions Shortage Resources

OHA held a member leadership briefing Monday about the closure of the Baxter Pharmaceuticals factory in North Carolina following the recent hurricane. A page dedicated to information on the issue has been activated on the OHA website at ohiohospitals.org/IV-solutions. The page will be updated as new information becomes available.

The page includes links to these items from Monday’s briefings:
Slide deck
Recording