Due to the shortage of 3-5 liter volume units of fluids intended for intravenous (IV) administration in large animals, CVM is temporarily exercising enforcement discretion for the distribution of IV fluid products into the United States. Dechra Veterinary Products will provide products from their Ireland manufacturing facility, which will be distributed by Vedco Inc. Henry Schein Animal Health will distribute products manufactured by Baxter Healthcare Pty Ltd from Australia. SyPharma Pty Ltd who manufactures their products in Australia will have their products distributed by Animal Health International.
While these initial shipments will help, they will not resolve the shortage. CVM is working closely with manufacturers to meet the needs of the 3-5 liter volume units of fluids intended for intravenous (IV) administration in large animals across the U.S. in the coming weeks.
CVM remains committed to doing everything it can to address this shortage. While CVM cannot require a manufacturer to produce a product, CVM will continue to use all the tools at its disposal to mitigate this and other drug shortages.
A release from FDA on April 13 states: The FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) is aware that the U.S. is currently facing a shortage of 3-5 liter volume units of fluids intended for intravenous (IV) administration in large animals. These large volume IV solutions are used to provide large animals with IV fluid replacement therapy.
CVM is currently coordinating with drug manufacturers to increase the availability of these products in order to address the current shortage and meet long-term demand. There are several foreign firms that are preparing to import 5 liter fluids into the U.S. Please continue to visit the drug shortage information webpage for updates. As products become available, we will update this page with additional information.
CVM remains committed to taking steps to address drug shortages, including finding alternative sources.
