Updated Dec. 3, 2024
Practitioners across the country have been coping with shortages of IV solutions in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
HHS recently reported that hospitals have 50 percent more product available to them now compared to immediately after the hurricane.
The FDA has authorized the temporary importation of Baxter products from other countries to help bridge the gap in supplies. Meanwhile, Baxter reports it is ahead of initial expectations and will restart the highest-throughput IV solutions manufacturing line, barring any unanticipated developments.
Baxter also has received FDA authorization to extend the shelf life of more than 50 IV and irrigation codes to provide up to an additional 12 months of expiry. Products now have a 24-month expiration period from the date of manufacture. This extension only applies to products manufactured prior to the end of September 2024. Baxter is still exploring stability testing for many other products as well.
Effective Nov. 26, Baxter has confirmed new allocation levels for several IV product groups. Customers should note a typical lag time of one to two weeks for product to move through the distribution network after allocation adjustments. For additional information or questions, customers are encouraged to contact their Baxter representative.
Future updates will be posted to the Baxter Hurricane Helene Updates page and the FDA List of Extended Use Dates to Assist with Drug Shortages.
