Ceftriaxone Update and Live Online Discussion Courses
Alabama Department of Public Health
Alabama Emergency Response Technology (ALERT)
Health Alert Network (HAN)
February 6, 2025
Ceftriaxone Update
In December of 2024, the Alabama Department of Public Health received reports of serious adverse events that seemed to be associated with the administration of the antibiotic ceftriaxone (Rocephin®). To date, no particular medication, lot number, or manufacturer has been implicated and no clear link has been established.
Almost immediately after notification, with the assistance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an investigation was initiated that involved reviewing the medical records for the individuals involved, speaking with providers, and reaching out to clinics and hospitals in the immediate area to discover other potentially related events. This investigation is ongoing, and the Alabama Department of Public Health is committed to investigate any reports of dangers to the health of Alabama’s public.
Through this collaboration, a preliminary case definition was proposed to assist the investigators in deciding if any future reports were consistent with the initial reports and to build a secure online portal accessed via a secure web link. In January, this link was published through a Health Alert Network notification to alert providers of the investigation. The database link continues to be open and providers are encouraged to submit any reports beginning September 1, 2024 to present. Although the original reports were located in the northwest part of Alabama, subsequent reports have been received from across the state.
As ceftriaxone (Rocephin®) is rarely administered in isolation and as each individual circumstance is unique, all aspects of each patient’s care are evaluated, and each medical record is thoroughly reviewed. Ceftriaxone is known to rarely be associated with serious adverse events such as dangerous allergic reactions or even anaphylaxis which may be life-threatening. It is recommended that each provider should continue to use clinical judgement when using ceftriaxone, discuss risks and benefits of its use with patients, and review post-injection monitoring protocols in their setting.
Auburn University’s Harrison College of Pharmacy is hosting a live online discussion on antimicrobial stewardship and the overuse of ceftriaxone. This free event will be held on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 from 7-8pm CT and offers nursing and pharmacy continuing education credit. A repeat of the course will be offered on February 13 from 12-1 pm CT. Please see the link below for more information: