About the shortage of intravenous (IV) fluids

The acute national shortages affecting several presentations of intravenous (IV) fluids that started in 2024 have resolved and overall supply is stable. 

For more details about the background of the shortage and the IV fluids availability modelling used to manage it, see below.

Information for health services

As the supply of IV fluids has stabilised, use can return to normal. However, ongoing careful and responsible use of IV fluids is encouraged to support sustainable supply.

See the updated recommendations based on the most recent round of IV fluids availability modelling, below. 

To support safe, appropriate and sustainable use of IV fluids across hospital settings, the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC) has released national guidance on improving pre-procedural fluid management using the practice of ‘Sip Til Send’. These resources are available on the ACSQHC website. 

The factsheets for health service organisations and consumers complement the national guidance developed by the ACSQHC, and include information on conservation strategies, alternative treatment options and best practices for maintaining effective, safe and high-quality patient care during shortage. 

Information for consumers

If you, or someone you care for, has concerns about IV fluid availability, consult a healthcare professional for guidance. 

IV fluids availability modelling

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

Updated modelling in April 2026 showed stable IV fluid supply across all presentations.

This improvement in supply means that health facilities can:

• maintain standard business as usual (BAU) practices
• continue to build reserves.

The MAWG has also acknowledged the positive impact of the conservation measures used during the shortage. This careful and efficient use of IV fluids across the health system should be continued to help safeguard supply now and in the future.

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. 

No further IV fluids availability modelling is planned due to the resolution of the acute supply disruptions. 

Background to the shortage

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 support continuity of supply during the disruption period, we approved multiple overseas-registered alternative saline fluids under section 19A of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989. Please visit our Section 19A approvals database for up-to-date information about the alternative products (search by the active ingredient, ‘0.9% Sodium Chloride’).

National IV Fluid Response Group 

In 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 included 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. During the period of supply disruption, the group coordinated national information‑sharing and response activities, including the creation of a repository of clinical guidance on appropriate conservation strategies in collaboration with the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC) – see ‘Information for health services’ above.

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.