FDA: Risk of Fatal Reactions in Patients Taking Rocephin with Calcium

Roche and FDA informed healthcare professionals of revisions to the CONTRAINDICATIONS, WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS, ADVERSE REACTIONS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION sections of the prescribing information for Rocephin for Injection.

The revisions are based on new information that describes the potential risk associated with concomitant use of Rocephin with calcium or calcium containing solutions or products.

Cases of fatal reactions with calcium-ceftriaxone precipitates in the lungs and kidneys in both term and premature neonates were reported. Hyperbilirubinemic neonates, especially prematures, should not be treated with Rocephin.

The drug must not be mixed or administered simultaneously with calcium-containing solutions or products, even via different infusion lines. Additionally, calcium-containing solutions or products must not be administered within 48-hours of the last administration of ceftriaxone.

see also:

Letter to Physicians Warning Letter to Doctors on the Dangers of Using Rocephin and Calcium
Roche Sends Doctors Warning on the Risk to Taking Rocephin and Calcium

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