Pharmacy Daily | Saline shortage update

The US Food and Drug Administation (FDA) has said that due to the shortage of 0.9% sodium chloride injection, or normal saline, Fresenius Kabi USA would temporarily distribute normal saline in the US from its Norway manufacturing facility. The FDA said it was temporarily exercising enforcement discretion for the distribution of this product while it was needed to address the “critical” shortage which impacted patients. “While these initial shipments will help, they will not resolve the shortage.” The FDA said it was working with manufacturers to meet the needs for normal saline across the country in the next few weeks, in particular Baxter Healthcare Corp, B. Braun Medical Inc and Hospira Inc as the companies sought to restore their supply for hospitals and health clinics. The shortage was first reported in January and was triggered by a range of factors including a reported increased hospital demand possibly related to the flu season (PD 30 Jan).

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