A Message from the CEO: ASHP Urges Federal Agencies to Respond to IV Fluid Shortages

ASHP CEO Paul W. Abramowitz sent the following message to members today.

Dear Colleagues:

I'm writing to update you on the actions ASHP's advocacy and clinical teams are taking to mitigate intravenous (IV) fluid shortages after Hurricane Helene forced the closure of a North Carolina manufacturing plant.

Today, ASHP met with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) compounding team, and the White House Medical Supply Chain Team. We have also held several meetings with the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) and FDA shortage team and chief medical officer.

ASHP began engaging stakeholders as soon as news broke that Baxter International had closed its Marion, North Carolina, facility, a leading producer of sterile fluids, due to widespread flooding caused by Hurricane Helene.

Throughout these conversations, ASHP is emphasizing how the shortage of IV fluids is impacting patient care and communicating the urgent need for agencies to respond.

ASHP is asking agencies involved to expedite importation from foreign manufacturing sites; identify alternative foreign manufacturers; and bring additional domestic capacity online. ASHP is also requesting temporary flexibility from FDA on certain requirements, including inspection requirements, limitations on compounding, and extension of product dating to allow pharmacy teams to maximize use of available resources.

ASHP detailed our full list of recommendations in a letter sent to the Department of Health and Human Services, ASPR, and FDA today.

ASHP anticipates IV fluid shortages will persist for several months; during this time, conservation will be essential. Please consult our updated guidance on managing IV fluid shortages and our 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. Additionally, ASHP's Michael Ganio will be speaking on IV fluid conservation at an End Drug Shortages Alliance webinar tomorrow, Oct. 9.

ASHP will continue our efforts to advocate on behalf of our members and their patients and provide updates as we receive them. Thank you for all you do for your patients and our profession.

Sincerely,

Paul