Update on NS shortage

Healthcare Providers:

Our current supply of 1000ml, 0.9% NS has remained steady at a 6 week level (from an 8 day supply 4 weeks ago). On Monday, MUSC Supply Chain and Pharmacy spoke with Baxter (MUSC contracted manufacturer) and Baxter continues to report a very high national demand for 0.9% NS products. MUSC Chain Management and the Department of Pharmacy has continued to maintain safe inventories of our 250ml and 500ml bags of 0.9% NS, 1000ml bags of Lactated Ringers.  

However, our MUSC supply of Plasma-Lyte A has decreased to low levels (approaching three week supply). MUSC Supply Chain and Pharmacy are working with Baxter and our distributor to replenish Plasma-Lyte A. At this time, MUSC Supply Chain is recommending a modest shift from Plasma-Lyte A back to 0.9% Saline whenever possible.     

Baxter continues to report a sharp increase in national demand for half-normal (0.45%) saline and current MUSC supply of 1000ml bags of 0.45% saline is at very good levels (up from good levels last week).

Always keep in mind that for large volume urgent fluid resuscitation, continue to follow current standards of care which includes solutions of NS, Lactated Ringers and Plasma-Lyte A. 

Whenever possible, healthcare providers are asked to consider use of alternatives to  I.V. products such as oral hydration, or low rate infusions if IV is required.  For KVO lines, use a small bag of fluid instead of liter bags.  Currently we are recommending Ringers Lactate, 250 and 500ml bags of NS and D5W (i.e.: for fluid maintenance and low rate infusions) based on clinical judgment. Please keep in mind, however, that these supplies are also in flux and our recommendations can and will change as the stock is assessed.  We anticipate that this shortage will last several weeks or months.

This is a moving target and updated information will be provided each Tuesday and Friday or as needed.  Feel free to print this email and post on your Pyxis cabinets, use at your staff meetings, or forward with your name on it.

Thanks for your support.

David Habib, M.D. (MUSC Supply Chain Medical Officer) habibd@musc.edu

Regine Honore Villain, MPH (MUSC Chief Supply Chain Officer) villain@musc.edu

Joseph Mazur, Pharm. D. (Clinical Pharmacy Manager) mazurj@musc.edu

Heather Easterling, Pharm. D., MBA (Director, Department of Pharmacy Services) easterling@musc.edu