Background
Ceftaroline fosamil is a cephalosporin approved for treating skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs), including those caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and community acquired pneumonia (CAP).
Objective
We aimed to study ceftaroline use and associated adverse drug reactions (ADRs), including hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs), among inpatients.
Methods
We performed a retrospective electronic health record review of inpatients from Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital who received ceftaroline between May 2012 and February 2015. ADRs diagnosed by clinical providers during the course of clinical care were subsequently verified and classified. Risk factors for ADRs were identified.
Results
Among 96 patients (median age 57 years, 54% female) who received a median of 28 [IQR 6, 63] ceftaroline doses, 54% were being treated for MRSA and treatment indications other than SSTI and CAP comprised 59% of care. There were 31 ADRs observed in 20 (21%) of patients; hematologic (n=15) and cutaneous (n=9) findings were most common. Observed HSRs included rash with mucosal lesions (n=1), rash with skin desquamation (n=1) and possible organ specific HSRs (n=2). Patients who suffered an ADR received more doses of ceftaroline (median 46 vs. 21, p=0.013). There was no increased risk of ceftaroline ADR among patients with prior reported beta-lactam allergy (p >0.5).
Conclusions
Ceftaroline is used to treat a range of infections beyond SSTI and CAP. We observed a high rate of ADRs from ceftaroline, including signs of severe HSRs. More data are needed to understand the frequency and predictors of ceftaroline ADRs and HSRs.