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Anesthesiologists, their groups, and facilities where anesthesiologists work are experiencing significant shortages of IV solutions and other products manufactured at a Baxter manufacturing plant outside Marion, NC. That facility manufactures about 60% of the U.S. supply of IV solutions, producing approximately 1.5 million bags per day. Because of the widespread devastation in Western North Carolina and the region in general, it is difficult to determine how long this shortage may last. ASA is working with Baxter, the US Food and Drug Administration, the US Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), and other stakeholders to offer solutions to anesthesiologists and other members of the health care community.
October 9, 2024: US Health and Human Services published a Letter to Health Care Leaders and Stakeholders on Impacts of Hurricane Helene describing Federal actions to date. The letter also includes a discussion about preparatory work responding to Hurricane Milton.
| Information from Baxter | ASA Recommendations | External Recommendations | Report Drug and Equipment Shortages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baxter is providing routine updates related to the manufacturing plant and actions to mitigate the shortage of IV solutions and other products. | ASA expects to develop recommendations for assisting anesthesiologists on this particular drug shortage. | Several organizations, including the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the American Hospital Association have released guidance that may influence local decision-making. | This shortage is one of many drug and equipment shortages anesthesiologists face on a daily basis. Please report other drug and equipment shortages to the ASA. |
Although most anesthesiologists will be impacted by this shortage, we believe those anesthesiologists working in hospitals with limited financial and pharmacy-related resources, ambulatory surgical centers, as well as mobile anesthesia practices will experience the most difficulty in procuring a back-up supply of these materials. We are encouraged that Baxter is identifying their other resources to mitigate the impact of this shortage as well as the FDA and ASPR assessing if other manufacturers can fill this gap in production. Unfortunately, the impact of this event may last several months.
ASA physicians and staff are in contact with Baxter, the US FDA, US ASPR, and other medical societies to assist in creating conservation strategies, mitigate shortages, and advocate for a federal response. To advocate on behalf of ASA member, ASA Department of Quality and Regulatory Affairs is collecting member concerns, their experience with this shortage, and local conservation policies.
ASA encourages anesthesiologists to work with their hospital administrators, pharmacies, and others to find short-term solutions to conserve resources and protect patient safety. Please notify ASA Quality and Regulatory Affairs if there are significant disruptions to patient access, including delays or cancellations of necessary surgical procedures. For immediate patient safety or infection control concerns, please communicate your concerns to your local facility compliance and safety officers.
This page is curated by the ASA Department of Quality and Regulatory Affairs and was last updated October 9, 2024.
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