On Friday, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) issued an alert over shortages of multiple intravenous (IV) fluid products from all three Australian suppliers – Baxter Healthcare, B.Braun, and Fresenius Kabi.
“The shortages are due to multiple factors including global supply limitations, unexpected increases in demand, and manufacturing issues,” the alert said.
The TGA said suppliers have advised that supply will continue to be constrained throughout 2024.
Australian Medical Association (AMA) president Prof Steve Robson told the ABC the shortage was “unprecedented”.
“If the warnings that we have play out, then it could have profound consequences, almost unprecedented consequences, across the whole health system,” he said.
Multiple state and territory health agencies are reported to have issued advice to health services regarding the shortage.
Robson warned that a lack of supply could mean the intravenous fluids that are available will have to be preserved for emergency cases, with planned care put on hold until supply can be guaranteed.
⚠️Medicine shortage – Intravenous (IV) fluids⚠️
We are aware of shortages of multiple intravenous (IV) fluid products from all three Australian suppliers (Baxter Healthcare, B.Braun, and Fresenius Kabi).
Read more: https://t.co/IIJhWqmQSf pic.twitter.com/DIqUyMv3tr
— TGA Australia (@TGAgovau) July 26, 2024
To minimise the impact of the shortages, the TGA said it had approved multiple overseas-registered alternative saline fluids.
“We will continue to monitor the supply and work closely with the sponsors and state and territory health departments to reduce the impact of the shortage,” the association said.
IV fluids are essential medicines used in hospitals for routine and critical care.
They are crucial for fluid replacement, resuscitation and administering other medications directly into the bloodstream.
“Managing the shortage and supply of IV fluids is a priority for us, as we understand these medicines are of critical importance,” the TGA said.
IV fluid is also essential for veterinary care, and the Australian Veterinary Association said it is “actively collaborating with manufacturers and distributors to secure IV fluid supplies for the veterinary profession”.
“We are exploring all potential avenues, including facilitating the importation of stock into Australia in compliance with regulatory requirements,” the association said in its most recent update on the issue.
