The FDA expects the national saline bag shortage to improve in the coming weeks and months, but warns of a potential IV container shortage, according to Reuters.
IV containers serve as an alternative to filled IV bags, which have been in short supply due to manufacturing issues in Puerto Rico and large demand amid flu season.
"We understand that, with the shortage of filled bags, hospitals and other healthcare providers are turning to the repackaging or compounding of IV saline fluids and utilizing empty IV containers," said FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, MD. "This is resulting in diminished supplies of these containers and concerns that supplies of empty bags could tighten further."
The FDA recently approved several new IV saline products, which are expected to boost the country's supply over the next few weeks, according to Dr. Gottlieb.