Baxter Outlines Timeline to Restart Production for IV Fluids

Company increases allocation levels for high-demand products

October 09, 2024

Baxter International today announced the timeline to restart production at its North Carolina facility that produces most of the intravenous fluids (IV) in the U.S.

In a statement today, the company said it planned to restart production in phases and hopes to return 90–100 percent allocation of certain IV solution products by the end of 2024. Company officials also updated the planned allocation of available products amid the shortage.

“We will spare no resource—human or financial—to restart operations and help ensure patients and providers have the products they need,” Baxter CEO Joe Almeida said.

Here’s what you need to know:

• The issue:  Baxter’s North Cove facility was significantly affected by Hurricane Helene, resulting in extensive facility flooding.
  • The company is reportedly responsible for about 60 percent of the IV fluids used at U.S. hospitals.
• Conservation allocations:  The company said Wednesday that it was increasing U.S. allocation levels of its highest demand IV fluids for direct customers from 40 percent to 60 percent—and for distributors from 10 percent to 60 percent.
• What to do:  In a letter to providers, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra encouraged providers to implement product conservation strategies and maximize available supply.
• Government response:  The federal government is coordinating a government-wide response to address supply chain disruptions.
  • This includes identifying potential products already in Baxter’s system and alternative manufacturing sites and potential temporary imports.
• Quotable: “Not only do we commit to doing all we can during this supply chain disruption, but we also commit to doing all we can to diversify and build resilience in this supply chain going forward,” Becerra said.

In a letter this week, the American Hospital Association President and CEO Rick Pollack urged the Biden administration to increase the supply of IV solutions, including invoking the Defense Production Act; directing the FDA to declare a shortage of sterile IV solutions; and declaring a national emergency to help facilitate waivers for certain CMS rules and regulations.

The company’s statement and Becerra’s letter to providers are available online.

HAP continues to monitor the ongoing shortage and provide support to members. For questions, contact Christopher Chamberlain, MS, RN, CHEP, vice president, emergency management.