Safety alert: shortage of intravenous fluids

Safety alert: shortage of intravenous fluids

06 Aug 2024

According to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), the shortages are due to multiple factors including global supply limitations, unexpected increases in demand and manufacturing issues.

The shortages include products from all three Australian suppliers (Baxter Healthcare, B.Braun, and Fresenius Kabi).

It is expected the shortages will also affect primary healthcare providers in their practice, particularly those who provide infusion therapies such as iron infusions or urgent care.

To minimise the impact of these shortages, the TGA has approved multiple overseas-registered alternative saline fluids.

The TGA 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.

Read the alert

Read more on the TGA’s website