FDA announces shortage of 3 drugs as North Carolina facility recovers from Hurricane Helene impacts

 The Food and Drug Administration announced a shortage of three more drugs after one of the largest manufacturers of IV solutions in the United States was “significantly impacted” by Hurricane Helene.

The FDA said that Dextrose 70% IV solution, Lactated Ringers IV Solution and Peritoneal Dialysis Solution are not “commercially available in adequate supply to meet national demand” and issued guidelines for compounding at pharmacies “to help fill the gaps.”

The impacted facility located in Marion, North Carolina, a little under an hour east of Asheville, is one of the largest manufacturers of IV fluids and dialysis solutions in the country. The shortage has led some hospitals across the US to ration their supplies and even postpone some surgeries.

“The FDA is working continuously to address the shortages and supply disruptions to ensure patients have access to certain parenteral drugs, including IV solutions,” the agency said.