Connecticut hospitals and health systems continue to institute mitigation measures to optimize supply of intravenous (IV) fluid in the wake of a nationwide shortage precipitated by the closure of a Baxter International facility in North Carolina. Allocations for hospitals across the country remain at 60% of normal shipment volumes.
Hospital and health system leaders are invited to participate in a call hosted by Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra on Friday, October 18 at 1:30 p.m. ET to hear from government and Baxter officials about their coordinated response. Click here to register for the briefing.
Connecticut hospitals and health systems are taking steps to maximize supplies and minimize disruption to patient care by conserving product and encouraging all healthcare entities that use IV fluids to do the same. The Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) is monitoring impacts on operations throughout the state in collaboration with the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) and Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) and is in communication with Connecticut’s congressional delegation. CHA is also continuing to advocate for the federal government to declare a national public health emergency, remove barriers to the global importation of product, and extend the shelf-life of all sterile IV and peritoneal dialysis (PD) solutions. In an interview with NBC Connecticut, CHA Director of Regulatory Advocacy Marielle Daniels reaffirmed hospitals’ commitment to preserving quality of patient care.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has released updated guidance for compounding certain parenteral drug products after it added Dextrose 70% IV Solution, Lactated Ringers IV Solution, and Peritoneal Dialysis Solution to the Drug Shortage Database. For the duration of the official shortage, the temporary policy allows hospital pharmacies and outsourcing pharmacies to manufacture the listed fluids. The FDA has not yet extended the shelf-life for these products but recommends facilities hold on to expired solutions in anticipation of a potential extension. The federal government has put companies on notice that price gouging for essential medical supplies like IV solutions will not be tolerated and violations should be reported here or here.
Baxter has increased production at seven plants across its global network to help boost available inventory. The first product shipments authorized for temporary importation are arriving in the U.S. this weekend. Baxter says it is seeking approval from the FDA to expand importation from additional facilities and extend product expiration dates. B. Braun Medical, another IV solution manufacturer, stated it is also ramping up production at its two U.S. facilities to support distribution. Additional details on distribution timelines will be provided to customers in the coming days and as appropriate.
Baxter has launched a clinical resources webpage dedicated to hosting information on supply chain restoration efforts and education on conservation strategies. The company is also publishing operational updates here on Mondays and Thursdays. Baxter is reminding facilities to reach out to their Baxter representative or distributor for questions regarding supply. Customers who need additional assistance beyond their existing communications channels with Baxter can e-mail HurricaneHeleneSupport@baxter.com.
Baxter’s major manufacturing plant located in Marion, North Carolina provides approximately 60% — or 1.5 million bags — of the IV solutions used every day in the U.S., making the facility the top supplier of hospital IV fluids and PD solutions in the country. Baxter was forced to shut down its North Cove plant and cease operations due to damage from Hurricane Helene. The company does not have a timeline for when production at the facility will be fully restored to pre-hurricane levels but estimates a return to 90-100% allocation of certain IV solution product codes by the end of the year.
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) has issued recommendations for managing the shortages and exploring alternative hydration methods. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory compiling additional resources.
The American Hospital Association (AHA) on Wednesday, October 16 discussed the consequences of the supply chain disruption in a podcast episode. Visit AHA’s webpage for the latest information.