Injection Drug Safety Warnings

July 2007

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has alerted consumers about two injection solution drugs with potentially heightened risks. Rocephin, an antibiotic injection drug, has updated its label with important information about dangerous side effects. Invanz, another antibiotic, has three tainted lots that have been recalled by its manufacturer.

Rocephin has received an updated warning label cautioning against the side effects caused when the drug is mixed with calcium or calcium containing solutions in the body. Death and other serious reactions have been reported in patients who mixed Rocephin with calcium-ceftriaxone present in their lungs and kidneys. Patients must wait at least 48 hours after the last calcium dosage before using Rocephin.

Three lots of another antibiotic injection drug, Invanz, have been pulled from the market after pieces of broken glass were found in the reconstituted solution. Lot numbers 0803930, 0803940, and 0803950 have been identified as the contaminated batches. A recall of the three lots has been initiated by the manufacturer, Merck & Co.