Senator Collins Joins Bipartisan Group in Sending Letter to FDA Regarding Shortage of IV Saline at Height of Deadly Flu Season

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Susan Collins joined a bipartisan group of 29 Senators and 63 Representatives in sending a letter to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Scott Gottlieb regarding the current shortage of IV saline and other critical medical products.

“The ongoing shortage of medical products manufactured in Puerto Rico, specifically small volume IV fluid bags, has created a nationwide public health scare during the height of a severe flu season,” wrote the members of Congress.  “We understand the FDA has taken steps to attempt to remedy this crisis by allowing the importation of saline products from other countries and by also approving new saline products. However, providers in our states have voiced concerns over the uncertainty of when these products will become available and when a long-term solution to this shortage will be implemented.”

The shortage resulted from the devastation Hurricane Maria wrought on Puerto Rico’s many major manufacturing facilities and, along with one of the potential deadliest flu seasons in recent history, the shortage has fueled a public health issue. In some instances, it took months for manufacturers to be reconnected to Puerto Rico’s fragile power grid. While the FDA has already taken immediate steps to address the shortage, Congress and the Administration must work in unison towards a long-term solution.

The lawmakers’ letter urges FDA to use all tools at its disposal to address these shortages and requests information regarding the agency’s response to the shortage of IV saline. IV saline is used for critical medical procedures, including rehydration and delivery of medications.

In addition to Senator Collins, the letter was also signed by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), John Barrasso (R-WY), John Boozman (R-AR), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Tom Carper (D-DE), Chris Coons (D-DE), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Enzi (R-WY), Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY), Kamala Harris (D-CA), John Hoeven (R-ND), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Ron Johnson (R-WI), James Lankford (R-OK), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Bill Nelson (D-FL), David Perdue (R-GA), Mike Rounds (R-SD), John Thune (R-SD), Jon Tester (D-MT), and Roger Wicker (R-MS).

Click HERE to read the letter.