A bag of saline is simple. It hangs from a hook. It is sterile. It is predictable. When a recall notice surfaces that same bag represents something else entirely. It becomes a matter of life or death.
When Baxter recalled two lots of 0.9% sodium chloride because they may contain fiberglass particles, most people probably didn’t know. However, for disabled people and those with chronic medical conditions, a saline recall is alarming.
Saline is not only a hospital staple; it’s an essential component of daily treatments that help maintain blood pressure, keep medical devices functioning properly, and clear respiratory secretions. When something as simple as saline becomes unsafe, it threatens not only the supply chain but also their daily care.
In people with severe or medication‑refractory Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), intermittent IV saline may temporarily reduce dizziness, rapid heart rate, weakness, and fainting. Fluid intake is fundamental to managing POTS, and IV saline is sometimes used when other treatments aren’t enough.
People with chronic fatigue syndrome/mylagic encephalomyelitis may also experience orthostatic intolerance and autonomic symptoms. Saline is used to help manage dysautonomia and low blood volume as an experimental or supportive treatment.
Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, especially hypermobile EDS, involve autonomic dysfunction and orthostatic intolerance. In the most severe cases, treatment usually includes increased fluid and salt intake, and IV fluids. Saline isn’t a treatment for EDS, but disruptions to care for related autonomic problems can be significant.
Saline is essential for people with respiratory conditions too. Saline solution is used by some people with neuromuscular disabilities to loosen mucus. Saline flushes are necessary to help reduce the risk of infection as well.
Saline is not a luxury. It can help people function. One treatment can determine if someone gets through the day or has trouble with severe symptoms. Maintaining a medical device can prevent an interruption in treatment or an unnecessary emergency‑department visit.
The FDA makes recall information public, but not every drug recall appears on FDA.gov or in the news. Manufacturers may notify customers in their networks, but patients receiving supplies at home may not be notified. They might find out through social media or in conversation.
For someone who can pause treatment, the gap is an inconvenience. But for someone who depends on regular access to saline, it’s much more serious. They may have to call a doctor, home-infusion company, pharmacy, or supplier which can be challenging if you are sick or disabled.
Recalls are essential for safety. However, what happens to patients who can’t pause treatment? A recall notice may remove a product from the shelves, but it won’t answer the immediate question: What am I supposed to use tonight?
Saline may be simple, but not having access to it is dangerous. It is essential for many. When it becomes unsafe, those most dependent on it should not be left to figure out what happens next.
Sources:
Bateman, Lucinda, et al. “Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Essentials of Diagnosis and Management.” Mayo Clinic Proceedings, vol. 96, no. 11, 2021, pp. 2861–2878. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2021.07.004.
“Baxter Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall for Two Lots of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection Due to Potential Presence of Particulate Matter.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 26 Aug. 2026.
Davenport, Todd E., et al. “Cardiopulmonary Responses to Exercise in an Individual with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome during Long-Term Treatment with Intravenous Saline: A Case Study.” WORK, vol. 66, no. 2, 2020, pp. 353–359. https://doi.org/10.3233/WOR-203214.
Forster, Victoria. “Medical Saline Recalled Over Potential Fiberglass Contamination.” Forbes, 28 Aug. 2026, https://www.forbes.com/sites/victoriaforster/2026/08/28/medical-saline-recalled-over-potential-fiberglass-contamination/.
Galaz-Souza, Natalia, et al. “Use of Nebulized Hypertonic Saline in Patients With Neuromuscular Diseases or Cerebral Palsy in the United Kingdom.” Pediatric Pulmonology, vol. 60, no. 1, 2025, article e27464. https://doi.org/10.1002/ppul.27464.
Ruzieh, Mohammed, et al. “Effects of Intermittent Intravenous Saline Infusions in Patients with Medication-Refractory Postural Tachycardia Syndrome.” Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology, vol. 48, no. 3, 2017, pp. 255–260. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10840-017-0225-y.
Sheldon, Robert S., et al. “2015 Heart Rhythm Society Expert Consensus Statement on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Postural Tachycardia Syndrome, Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia, and Vasovagal Syncope.” Heart Rhythm, vol. 12, no. 6, 2015, pp. e41–e63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrthm.2015.03.029.
Sjögren, Per, et al. “Beneficial Effects of Intermittent Intravenous Saline Infusion in Dysautonomic Patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Case-Series.” Frontiers in Neurology, vol. 16, 2025, https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2025.1601599.
“Safe Injection Practices to Prevent Transmission of Infections to Patients.” CDC, 12 Apr. 2024, https://www.cdc.gov/injection-safety/hcp/clinical-guidance/index.html.