I just read about a shortage of IV bags in the U.S.

[NYETNYET]

Is this true? Even if they fix the problem in P.R. in the next 30 minutes, what kind of turn around time are we talking about to get the bags to the hospitals? A shortage might not just hit the hospitals. What kind of supply does the military have? How about animal clinics. What kind of bags do they use in blood banks?
I just read this on Crooks and Liars in an article by Nicole Belle. I know nothing about this industry but I have been in enough hospitals to know how important they are.
If anyone has an understanding, please share.
I know this will sound awful to say but... This would serve to make the sick to hurry up and die and help with Ryans death panels. I hate that their actions have made me think of evil motives like that.

[TheDebbieDee]

1. I read about this yesterday and I find it hard to believe

that all these US pharma companies have ALL of their IVs assembled in one small area...

But logistically, the manufacturer would have to ship in all the necessary chemicals and packaging supplies and round up all their employees. Many Puerto Ricans have left Puerto Rico so the company may need to recruit and train new employees... I'd guess the company would need about 90 days to get production back up.

[malaise]

2. Saw this yesterday

was shocked

[alfie]

3. A significant shortage would be a disaster

I am a retired RN, have hung thousands of IV bottles and bags but know nothing about the manufacturing process. I just know it must be in a very sterile environment which is an added layer of time and expense.

With rapidly rising costs of routine drugs and shortages like you brought up, the death panels are definitely being assisted in their dreary tasks.

[pnwmom]

14. It's already happening and I can't believe there isn't more attention being paid to the problem. nt

[mercuryblues]

4. Yes it is true

PR is a huge supplier of Saline Iv's, other medications and medical devices.

Trump is still golfing.....
Congress on vacation.....

[Raven123]

5. You periodically see stories about medication shortages due to the same issues

Lack of adequate facilities to make important products. The industry forgets that we need both sufficient quality and quantity to ensure supplies. Seems pretty basic to me.

[elleng]

11. No competition in 'the industry,'

individual 'providers' only care about their bottom lines.

[japple]

6. FDA press announcement

https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm585720.htm

[Deb]

7. Yes heard about it 2 wks ago

The hospital nurse mentioned the small bags used for cancer treatment drugs and the like being hoarded until the large bags are used.

I thought it odd they hung a large bag post op for my husband months ago. I wonder if they were trying to keep it quiet. Kitchen

table crowd thought it would be a great startup business here in rural NY, it's crazy. I'm going to read that article, thanks for the heads

up!

[ananda]

8. They were short on saline solution not too long ago.

Something is very wrong with our medical supply system.

[dalton99a]

9. "With so many drug companies manufacturing products in Puerto Rico, it may only be the beginning"

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/23/health/puerto-rico-hurricane-maria-drug-shortage.html
U.S. Hospitals Wrestle With Shortages of Drug Supplies Made in Puerto Rico
By KATIE THOMAS | OCT. 23, 2017

[likesmountains 52]

10. It is true. I'm an RN and when we log in at work we get a reminder to not waste IV bags.

[demtenjeep]

12. it is absolutely true. My last two chemo rounds have changed because of the shortage

the first time, they burned my hand because they didn't know how to adjust the chemo without the extra saline

the last time was better but still short saline

[sinkingfeeling]

13. I'm not in US, but BBC ran the story yesterday.

[pressbox69]

15. No such shortage

of garbage bags in Congress.

[Vinca]

16. In a normal administration, something like this would call for a massive response

to rebuild Puerto Rico. I doubt Dear Leader has a clue about the pharmaceutical industry there.

[Meowmee]

17. Had not heard this

I was at the er DVM this week with my kitty in heart failure. They rx a new type of fluid bag with lower sodium and added glucose for her kidneys. I hope it will not be difficult to get. I usually order her fluid from cvs by the case because it’s cheaper.