Sterile Water Irrigant Facing Ongoing Shortage: Manufacturer Availability and Recovery Updates
Areazine synthesizes this FDA drug-shortage notice directly from FDA's official public data feed. See our methodology for full source attribution and refresh cadence.
The FDA has reported a current shortage of Sterile Water Irrigant, with supply levels varying significantly across major manufacturers including Baxter and Otsuka ICU Medical.
What this FDA drug-shortage notice tells you, and what most readers miss
This notice was issued by FDA on April 6, 2026 and geographically references United States. Its severity classification of "medium" signals how the issuing agency weighs the risk of harm if no action is taken - "critical" and "high" tier alerts typically carry direct consumer actions, while "medium" and "low" tend toward informational guidance or monitoring advisories. The category it belongs to - Drug Shortages - determines the regulatory framework behind it, which shapes what mitigations (alternative therapies, allocation timelines, manufacturer guidance) are available and which agency holds oversight.
Most readers skim a notice like this, check whether they are personally affected, and move on. The more useful lens is to verify its scope, source, and timestamp, then compare related notices without assuming that one record proves a broader trend.
Areazine pairs this record with the original agency URL so you can check the primary source before acting. Its related labels are drug-shortage, fda, medication, Sterile Water Irrigant.
What's in Shortage
Sterile Water Irrigant (Brand Name: STERILE WATER) is currently listed in a shortage status by the FDA. This medication is an irrigant used across several therapeutic categories, including Gastroenterology, Pediatrics, and other medical applications.
Which Manufacturers Are Affected
Availability varies by manufacturer and specific product presentation:
- B. Braun Medical Inc.: Currently has product Available (NDC 0264-2101-10 and 0264-2101-00). For inquiries, contact 800-227-2862.
- Otsuka ICU Medical LLC: Reports Limited Availability and Unavailable status for various presentations. Products are distributed by ICU Medical and some are currently allocated to contracted customers only. Recovery dates are currently To Be Determined (TBD). Contact: 1-866-829-9025 or ProductAvailability@icumed.com.
- Baxter Healthcare: Reports both Limited Availability and Unavailable status for 100 mL presentations. The estimated recovery date for these products is April 2026. Contact: 888-229-0001.
Why There's a Shortage
The FDA has categorized the reason for this shortage as "Other." No further specific details regarding the cause were provided in the source data.
What Patients Should Do
If you or a family member rely on Sterile Water Irrigant, please consider the following steps:
- Consult Your Healthcare Provider: Speak with your doctor or specialist regarding your treatment plan and any necessary adjustments.
- Speak with Your Pharmacist: Pharmacists can provide the most up-to-date information on local stock and potential alternatives.
- Contact Manufacturers: If you have specific questions about product availability, you may use the contact information provided above.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Patients should always consult with their healthcare provider or pharmacist for medical advice and treatment options.
Source
Information provided by the FDA Drug Shortage Database.
Initial Posting Date: 04/28/2023
Last Updated: 02/06/2026
Original source: FDA Official Notice ↗
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