FDA Announces More Drug Shortages After Helene

MARION, NC.- The Food and Drug Administration is working to address the shortage of three drugs after a major manufacturer was significantly affected by Hurricane Helene.

The impacted facility is Baxter International’s North Cove site, located just east of hard-hit Asheville, North Carolina. It’s one of the largest manufacturers of intravenous fluids and dialysis solutions in the United States.

Earlier this week, the FDA said Baxter International was limiting the supply of IV fluids. Now, the agency announced that dextrose 70-percent IV solution, lactated ringers IV solutions, and peritoneal dialysis solution are not “commercially available in adequate supply to meet national demand.” The shortage has led some hospitals across the u-s to ration their supplies and even postpone some surgeries.

Meanwhile, the agency has issued guidelines for compounding at pharmacies “to help fill the gaps.”