About the shortage of intravenous (IV) fluids

We are aware of shortages of some intravenous (IV) fluid products. In 2024, multiple IV fluid products were in shortage from all 3 Australian suppliers (Baxter Healthcare, B. Braun and Fresenius Kabi). As outlined in the IV fluids availability modelling section below, the supply across all presentations has improved.

IV fluids are essential medicines used in hospitals for routine and critical care. They are crucial for fluid replacement, resuscitation and administering other medications directly into the bloodstream. The shortage particularly affected multiple bag sizes of Sodium Chloride 0.9% (saline) and Compound Sodium Lactate (Hartmann’s solution) products.

The shortages occurred due to multiple factors, including global supply limitations, unexpected increases in demand and manufacturing issues.

To improve supply, we have approved multiple overseas-registered alternative saline fluids under section 19A of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989. Please see further information below or visit our Section 19A approvals database for up-to-date information about the alternative products (search by the active ingredient, ‘0.9% Sodium Chloride’).

We continue to collaborate with jurisdiction health departments and suppliers of Australian-registered IV fluid products to monitor the situation and address any regulatory barriers to supply.

Information for health services

The TGA has been closely monitoring the IV fluid situation and discussing supply challenges with state and territory health departments in our Medicines Availability Working Group (MAWG) meetings.

Managing the shortage and supply of IV fluids is a priority for us, as we understand these medicines are of critical importance.

You can find recommendations for managing these shortages in the IV fluids availability modelling section (see below).

To address the shortage, we have approved the importation and supply of the following substitute overseas-registered IV fluids under section 19A of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989. State and territory health departments can contact the approval holders of relevant 19A products to arrange orders.

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC) have developed factsheets for health service organisations and consumers. These factsheets include information on conservation strategies, alternative treatment options and best practices for maintaining effective, safe and high-quality patient care during the shortage.

IV fluids availability modelling

The TGA, in collaboration with the Medicine Availability Working Group (MAWG), has used data provided by sponsors to forecast future availability of IV fluids and to identify any supply gaps.

Updated modelling in October 2025 showed that the acute supply disruptions of these products have now stabilised and supply will continue to improve between October 2025 and April 2026. Supply can meet health facilities’ Business as Usual (BAU) demand. Modelling also indicated that overall supply will enable the replenishment of reserves by health services. However, this should occur gradually over the next few months.

We shared the outcomes of this modelling with the MAWG and the National IV Fluid Response Group, who updated the previous recommendations as follows.

To allow sufficient time for sponsors and wholesalers to build the desired buffers in the system, it is recommended that health services:

• can return to BAU usage
• use IV fluids responsibly, including continuing sustainable conservation principles where possible, to avoid waste
• gradually build reasonable reserves, if required.

The IV fluid supply modelling was conducted using the Dynamic Model of Medicine Availability (DMMA) developed by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. The model offers an overview of current and future medicine availability based on various assumptions and demand data. The outputs serve as early-warning signals of potential supply gaps. However, modelling is limited to those IV fluid presentations where the TGA has received complete datasets.

We may conduct further modelling in the future to assist in updating the current recommendations.

National IV Fluid Response Group 

On 12 August 2024, a National IV Fluid Response Group, led by the Victorian Chief Medical Officer, was formed to collaboratively address IV fluid supply issues across Australia. This group includes representatives from state and territory health departments, private hospitals, the Commonwealth, the Australian Medical Association (AMA), the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) and the Australian Veterinary Association. The group meets regularly to coordinate a national response to IV fluid shortages. Key actions include:

• partnering across governments and private hospitals to work with manufacturers and distributors to help address supply issues
• sharing demand and supply data to better understand the severity and duration of the shortage
• maintaining regular and consistent communications across all stakeholders
• creating a repository of clinical guidance on appropriate conservation strategies in collaboration with the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC).

The work of the Response Group complements our ongoing efforts to coordinate supply and availability of IV fluids since the supply disruptions started.

Information for consumers

If you, or someone you care for, is affected by the current IV fluid shortages, it’s important to consult your healthcare professional for guidance. Alternative IV fluids or treatment options may be provided to ensure you receive the necessary care.

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC) has released a factsheet for consumers addressing IV fluid shortages. The factsheet provides you, your family and carers with essential information about the IV fluid shortage and what to expect.

General information

We work with pharmaceutical companies to communicate information about shortages of their medicines to health professionals and patients. However, we cannot compel companies to register, manufacture or increase supply in Australia.

We will update this advice as needed.