Update on Disruption in Production of Intravenous (IV) Fluid Due to Impacts from Hurricane Helene

Update on Disruption in Production of Intravenous (IV) Fluid Due to Impacts from Hurricane Helene 

October 8, 2024

Dear Colleague:

Last week, the Baxter International Inc. North Cove Facility in Marion, NC was impacted by Hurricane Helene. Baxter is a major U.S. manufacturer of IV solutions, accounting for approximately 60% of domestic production. Baxter has announced reduced supply of intravenous and peritoneal dialysis (PD) solutions due to the damage of its manufacturing plants from hurricane Helene.

In letters to its clients, Baxter indicates it has implemented reduced supply allocations on a number of products. We understand that allocation amounts range from 40-50 percent from some of the more common IV solution products. Therefore, health care providers are expected to receive fewer IV products from Baxter than they are traditionally accustomed to receiving in orders placed based on consumption of these resources. For the most current updates on the product availability, please contact the manufacturer directly.

As of today, FDA has not declared any new shortages related to items produced at the North Cove facility. Baxter reports that they are taking additional steps to manage inventory of their North Cove production to assure equitable access. We understand that the FDA is also working with Baxter’s additional facilities to increase supply and reduce the risk of new shortages until Baxter can resume manufacturing the impacted products.

Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is requesting all health care providers to immediately implement temporary conservation measures to mitigate the potential impacts of this manufacturing disruption. This is a rapidly evolving situation, and this information is subject to change. Virginia Department of Health is working closely with the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association (VHHA), and coordinating with Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), Quality Insights Renal Network, Virginia’s EMS Councils, and other health care organizations to closely monitor this situation and we will continue to provide updates as soon as available.

Resources 

Dialysis Management and Conservation:

For a list of impacted products:

Additional Resources:

Sincerely,

Karen Shelton, MD

State Health Commissioner

Last Updated: October 8, 2024