CDC investigation finds no new ceftriaxone safety issue despite deaths

CDC investigated 31 serious adverse events, including 12 deaths, following ceftriaxone injections reported across 18 states between September 2024 and August 2025, most occurring in outpatient settings. The investigation reported that 74% of cases involved anaphylaxis-type presentations, 68% had prior ceftriaxone exposure, and 77% had cardiac comorbidities, with a median age of 67 years; FDA product testing found no evidence of tampering, contamination, or purity/potency problems, and national adverse event trend analyses showed no change over time. The authors concluded that serious adverse events can occur after ceftriaxone administration but that testing and trend data did not identify a new safety issue, and they noted the importance of continued reporting to FDA MedWatch.

Most relevant for: Clinicians administering ceftriaxone, particularly in outpatient settings, to older adults with cardiac comorbidities or prior ceftriaxone exposure.

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