ADPH Alert-Potential Adverse Events after Injections of Ceftriaxone
Alabama Department of Public Health
Alabama Emergency Response Technology (ALERT)
Health Alert Network (HAN)
Investigating potential adverse events after injections of ceftriaxone
January 21, 2025
Key Messages:
1. ADPH is investigating eleven reports of potential adverse events after injections of ceftriaxone that have occurred in the last few months in Alabama.
2. At this time, no causal link has been found, but ADPH is continuing to review any additional reports.
3. Providers are urged to discuss the use of ceftriaxone with patients as a therapeutic and have a plan in place to respond to any adverse events.
4. Providers should report potential adverse events related to ceftriaxone to ADPH at the link below:
https://redcap.link/AdverseEventReport
Additionally, adverse events may be reported to FDA MEDWATCH:
https://www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch-fda-safety-information-and-adverse-event-reporting-program
ADPH, in collaboration with CDC’s Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, is investigating eleven reports, which have occurred in the last few months, of adverse events following injections with the cephalosporin antibiotic ceftriaxone (Rocephin®). Persons investigated have had a variety of comorbid conditions and no specific causal link between ceftriaxone and these reactions has been identified at this time.
Out of an abundance of caution, ADPH will continue to collaborate with healthcare partners to investigate the possibility of epidemiologic links between these events or in connection to receipt of injections of this antibiotic, related diluting substances, or steroid medications often administered in conjunction with antibiotics in healthcare settings.
Some of the cases reviewed have had signs and symptoms compatible with anaphylactic reaction, including hives, pruritis, hypotension, and hypoxia, which have been successfully treated with measures for anaphylaxis.
While this investigation is ongoing, it is important to keep in mind that, as with any injectable antibiotic, allergic reactions can occur, and measure should be taken to monitor and respond appropriately to such reactions. Cephalosporins, such as ceftriaxone, can cause allergic reaction between 0.5% to 2.5% of patients. See the links below to American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.
ADPH will continue to act to promote and protect the health of the citizens of Alabama by investigating, responding, and updating information accordingly.