Sterile Water for Injection Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

Sterile Water for Injection, USP has been on the FDA's official drug shortage list since November 2021—and as of 2026, the shortage has not fully resolved. For patients who depend on injected medications that require reconstitution, and for healthcare facilities that use SWFI daily, understanding the current status and next steps is critical.

Current Shortage Status (2026)

As of April 2026, multiple NDC codes for Sterile Water for Injection remain on the FDA shortage list. Key details from current manufacturer reporting:

Hospira/ICU Medical (NDC 0409-3977-03): Limited availability, with an estimated recovery date of September 2026 and a manufacturing delay cited as the reason.

APP/Fresenius Kabi (NDC 63323-185-xx): Available with the note to 'check wholesaler for inventory.'

WG Critical Care (NDC 0487-6105-01): Limited availability as of January 2026 with two commercial lots remaining through December 2026.

The FDA declared the broader IV fluid shortage (triggered by Hurricane Helene in September 2024) largely resolved in mid-2025, but localized availability gaps and manufacturer allocation limits persist for SWFI specifically.

A Timeline of the Sterile Water for Injection Shortage

2017: Hurricane Maria devastates Puerto Rico, damaging three Baxter IV fluid plants and triggering the first major SWFI shortage in the modern era.

2017-2018: Simultaneous shift to IV push medication administration at hospitals nationwide sharply increases demand for SWFI vials.

November 2021: FDA adds Sterile Water for Injection to its active shortage list due to manufacturing delays and supply-demand imbalances.

September 2024: Hurricane Helene floods Baxter's North Cove, NC plant—the single facility supplying approximately 60% of all U.S. IV fluids, including SWFI. Production halts entirely. 86% of hospitals report shortages within days.

Late 2024 – Early 2025: FDA authorizes emergency import from 5 Baxter international facilities. HHS invokes Defense Production Act. Baxter restores 85% of production capacity by December 2024.

Mid-2025: FDA declares the broad IV fluid shortage from Hurricane Helene resolved. SWFI availability improves but remains uneven by NDC code.

2026: Multiple SWFI NDC codes remain on the FDA shortage list; some are available but on manufacturer allocation; others have recovery timelines extending to September 2026.

How Has the Shortage Affected Patients?

For patients receiving home infusion therapy (IV antibiotics, biologics, hormones, or chemotherapy), the shortage has caused delays, the need to switch to alternative diluents, and in some cases, delays in beginning or continuing treatment. Hospitals have had to postpone non-urgent surgeries, ration IV fluid use, and in some cases substitute oral hydration for IV fluids in appropriate patients.

Critically ill patients—especially those receiving cancer chemotherapy requiring IV hydration, or those needing constant IV fluid support—have been most directly impacted. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) has published detailed guidance on conservation strategies and alternative diluents for healthcare facilities.

What Patients Should Do Right Now

Contact your prescriber or infusion pharmacist today to review your current SWFI needs and discuss alternative diluents if your usual supply is unavailable.

Ask whether your medication is available as a premixed commercial formulation that requires no SWFI reconstitution.

Use medfinder to check which pharmacies near you currently have Sterile Water for Injection in stock.

Monitor the FDA Drug Shortage Database (accessdata.fda.gov) for real-time updates on shortage status and estimated recovery dates.

Do not substitute non-pharmaceutical-grade water or sterile water for irrigation—these substitutions are dangerous and can cause serious harm.

Find Sterile Water for Injection Near You

medfinder helps patients and caregivers locate medications—including SWFI—that are in short supply. Visit medfinder.com to enter your medication details and ZIP code. medfinder calls pharmacies near you to check stock and texts you the results. It is a paid service designed to eliminate the hours you would otherwise spend calling pharmacies one by one.

Also read: Alternatives to Sterile Water for Injection when you can't fill your prescription.