IV Solution Supply Shortages Expected Due to Plant Closure

(Oct. 7, 2024) The closure of a major producer of intravenous (IV) and peritoneal dialysis solutions, due to damage from Hurricane Helene, is likely to create shortages of supplies.  Last week, Baxter International had to temporarily shut down production at its North Cove, North Carolina plant, which produces approximately 60 percent of the nation's IV solution supply.  Baxter has not announced a timeline for resuming operations in North Cove. 

Providers, including nursing homes, home health agencies, and hospice programs, are encouraged to contact their suppliers to evaluate the impacts of the closure and options.  They should also implement conservation strategies.  A list of the impacted products is available here. The American Society of Health System Pharmacists has released conservation strategies here.

Baxter, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, the Food & Drug Administration, and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness (ASPR) are assessing inventory and working with other IV solution manufacturers to increase output. Baxter has implemented allocations to help ensure that their inventory is appropriately managed. This means that customer orders will be limited to promote equitable access to available products. The current allocation includes saline, dextrose and PD solution products. More information from Baxter is available here.

LeadingAge National is closely monitoring the situation and working with federal agencies and other national partners to obtain up-to-date information and resources to support members.

Contact: Karen Lipson, klipson@leadingageny.org.