Update Regarding IV Fluid Shortages - 01 Feb 2025
The global shortage of I.V. fluids continues to be in effect. This situation continues to affect the supply chain for all Sodium Chloride and some Hartmans Solution lines from Baxter, Fresenius Kabi, and B Braun.
We are pleased to relay that there has been some temporary relief on supply issues for Hartmans Solution, and product lines from Baxter and B Braun are in stock and available as listed below.
The monthly allocation/review of stock remains in place for all Baxter Saline product lines. This measure is expected to continue until at least the end of June 2025 and potentially through to the end of the year. The temporary alternative supply line of saline fluids from Lavoisier is still available and continues to be allocated weekly.
When determining size and quantities to order, please keep in mind that currently the product with the most demand is 250ml Saline. Due to its widespread use for injectables, no stock has been available to wholesalers for some time. The second most saline product in demand is 500ml Saline.
All products list below are currently available; however, lead times and quantities may vary as the situation evolves.
If you have any questions or require assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to our friendly customer support team on 1800 777 518.
Update Regarding IV Fluid Shortages - 10 Oct 2024
STOCK IS AVAILABLE TO ORDER. ARRIVING WEEKLY. CLICK HERE TO ORDER NOW.
As most customers know, there is a national shortage of sterile IV fluids, which is affecting supply internationally. Baxter, Fresenius Kabi, and B Braun, the major manufacturers of these products globally, are all working hard to bring more stock to the market. However, under the direction of the TGA, most available stock is being diverted to service the hospitals.
In response to this challenge, we have sourced a temporary alternative supply of saline fluids from Lavoisier in France. This product is NOT registered in Australia, and supply is authorised under an approval granted by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) under section 19A of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 until 30 April 2025 for the following indications: extracellular fluid replacement, management of metabolic alkalosis in the presence of fluid loss, and restoration or maintenance of the concentration of sodium and chloride ions.
Please refer to the below PDFs for further information about the imported products:
More information about 100ml product
More information about 250ml and 500ml product
Please note that all preorders are not cancellable, editable or returnable, so please be sure of the quantities ordered. As these items have been urgently imported, the cost of these items is higher than the regular items. SSS Australia has done everything we can to keep the prices as low as possible on these items.
We continue to work closely and collaboratively with Baxter, B Braun and Fresenius Kabi to work towards restoring supply of the locally produced product at pre-shortage prices.
To assist us in gaining a clear understanding of the stock requirements, have cancelled back orders on the below items, placed before 16th September 2024:
1517724 Sodium Chloride 0.9% 100mL Freeflex Bag C50
1512250 Ecoflac Plus Sodium Chloride 0.9% I.V. 500ml Each
1489151 Ecoflac Plus Sodium Chloride 0.9% I.V. 1000ml Each
1488007 Ecoflac Plus Sodium Chloride 0.9% I.V. 250ml Each
1375199 Sodium Chloride 0.9% 250ml I.V. Each
1307215 Ecoflac Plus Sodium Chloride 0.9% I.V. 100ml Each
1297791 Sodium Chloride 0.9% 100ml I.V. Each
1208200 Sodium Chloride 0.9% I.V. 250ml C24 C24
1035940 Sodium Chloride 0.9% 1000ml I.V. Each
1035931 Sodium Chloride 0.9% 500ml I.V. Each
If you still want to maintain a backorder on any of the above lines, please place a new sales order. All sales orders on these lines placed after 16/9/2024 will be maintained and fulfilled when the stock becomes available.
While SSS Australia will do everything within our means to secure enough stock to cover all preorders in full, complete delivery of all preorders cannot be guaranteed. If a preorder cannot be fulfilled, either partially or fully, any payment taken for the preorder will be refunded in full.
Communication from Baxter Regarding IV Fluid Shortages
Dear Partners,
We are writing to you to inform you that given the IV fluid constraints over the last 12 months, Baxter are taking the below actions to ensure the accuracy of outstanding backorders and lead times for our customers. Baxter will be deleting all backorders in our system for the below product codes, placed prior to 1st June 2024. This will enable a clearer picture of your requirements to ensure we have the right stock in the right place for your orders.
- 1036035 – 1000ml Compound Sodium Lactate [Hartmann’s]
- 1036044 – 500ml Compound Sodium Lactate [Hartmann’s]
- 1035940 – 1000ml 0.9% Sodium Chloride
- 1035931 – 500ml 0.9% Sodium Chloride
- 1297791 – 100ml 0.9% Sodium Chloride
Baxter is working closely with the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) and all healthcare authorities to prioritise the supply of sterile fluids. Please be advised, as per guidance by the TGA, Baxter is obliged to ensure supply for the public and private hospital sector of Australia, followed by wholesalers.
shortage of saline solution affecting Australian healthcare system: ABC News
"These shortages are a global issue and are due to manufacturing issues and unexpected increases in demand."
"To improve supply, the TGA has allowed the importation and supply of multiple overseas-registered alternative saline fluids, and has further applications for supply under consideration.
"The TGA is regularly advising state and territory health departments of new suppliers approved to import overseas products to allow them to make orders.
"The TGA is also liaising with Baxter, B Braun and Fresenius Kabi to monitor the situation and address any regulatory barriers to supply."
A safety alert sent to SA Health staff said: "Supply disruption is expected to be critical in the coming one to three weeks and whilst small and intermittent supplies may become available, is likely to continue for a number of months".
SA Health also said: "Out of an abundance of caution, we are conserving stock to make sure the patients who need these products can receive them. We have asked clinicians to use suitable alternatives for patients where it is clinically appropriate to do so".
More can be read here:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-07-25/shortage-saline-impact-australia-healthcare/104143020
https://www.tga.gov.au/about-IV-fluids-shortages