Hospitals Hit With Shortage Of Intravenous Saline

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration released a statement on Tuesday saying they are working with three companies that produce intravenous saline to combat a shortage at American hospitals.

Valerie Jensen, FDA’s Associate Director for Drug Shortages, says that the product manufacturers, Baxter International, Hospira and B. Braun Medical, have committed to stepping up production.

“We have not heard of anyone running out of the IV solutions at this point,” Jensen said, “but we know the hospitals are not comfortable with the low supplies.”

Manufacturers had notified the FDA at the end of 2013 they anticipated delays in filling orders but a significant increase in flu cases have magnified the shortages.

Healthcare providers are reportedly saving saline only for the most seriously ill patients and in many cases using smaller bags to extend the supply.