The American Society for Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the University of Utah announced updated recommendations for managing intravenous fluid shortages and conserving supply after Hurricane Helene forced the closure of a critical manufacturing plant in North Carolina.
The management and conservation resource, created in 2022, was updated on October 4, 2024, to reflect the current supply status of small- and large-volume intravenous solutions. The document provides operational steps that organizations may consider in conserving inventory and managing fluid shortages. The updated recommendations reflect best practices related to multiple aspects of patient care, including considerations for intravenous hydration and alternate routes of administration.
Baxter International closed its North Cove, North Carolina, manufacturing plant, because of heavy flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. The plant is a major producer of various types of sterile fluids that are given intravenously or by other routes.
Since news broke about the Baxter facility, ASHP immediately recognized the significant shortages that are likely to result from the plant closure and began engaging relevant stakeholders and evaluating existing resources. Over the past several days, ASHP has been in communication with Baxter, group purchasing organizations, government agencies, health systems, and many others. ASHP has also joined other leaders in the End Drug Shortages Alliance to plan advocacy at the national level and discuss resources to help practitioners care for their patients.
Please consult ASHP’s Drug Shortages Resource Center for additional information on current shortages and for resources to assist you in managing and conserving inventory at your practice site.
Julie R. Gralow, MD, FACP, FASCO
ASHP will continue its efforts to advocate on behalf of its members, other health-care professionals, and their patients and provide updates as they are received. Questions to ASHP can be directed to practiceadvancement@ashp.org.
For more information about the IV fluid shortage, visit ASCOPost.com to hear Julie R. Gralow, MD, FACP, FASCO, ASCO Chief Medical Officer, explain the issue in further detail.
