HOUSTON — Hurricane Milton spared a key supplier of IV fluids in Florida. That’s especially good news, because Hurricane Helene did not. That storm shut down Baxter International in North Carolina. It produces about 60% of the nation’s IV supply.
That’s created a nationwide supply issue. The FDA is considering allowing imported IV fluids as a temporary measure.
We contacted MD Anderson Cancer Center, which tells us they are conserving IV bags, looking for alternative supplies but does not anticipate impact to care.
Harris Health which runs LBJ and Ben Taub along with Memorial Hermann gave us similar statements.
Dialysis centers also use IV bags as do drip or hydration spas like Bounce Hydration, which administers IVs for hangovers, weight loss or wellness.
“Of course initially, everything is going to go to the hospitals,” Bounce Hydration general manager Michelle Gibson said. “Everything is gonna go to dialysis centers, cancer centers places like this. That’s completely understandable. We’re just going to be a lower priority right now. We will take whatever allocation that we can get.”
Gibson says normally they have 10 cases of IV bags. Right now all they can get is five.
They’re working with suppliers to keep their business working smoothly.