Unsafe Medicine
Pritzker Olsen Attorneys

Ceftin, Fortaz, Rocephin, and Zinacef

IMPORTANT CEFTIN, FORTAZ, ROCEPHIN, AND ZINACEF LAWSUIT INFORMATION:
Pritzker | Olsen, P.A., a leading personal injury law firm, is providing information on new label warnings for Ceftin, Fortaz, Rocephin, and Zinacef (cephalosporin-based antibiotic medications) regarding diarrhea and the possible development of life-threatening colitis.  Lawyers at the firm have extensive experience representing people with colitis and the families of people who died after developing colitis (wrongful death cases).  

If you are interested in being represented in a Ceftin, Fortaz, Rocephin, or Zinacef lawsuit, please carefully review the following information and contact us immediately if you meet the following criteria:

  • You or your child was administered Ceftin, Fortaz, Rocephin, or Zinacef.
  • You or your child developed colitis within 2 months of taking Ceftin, Fortaz, Rocephin, or Zinacef.

If you meet the above criteria, please contact one of our lawyers to discuss your case.

Ceftin, Fortaz, Rocephin and Zinacef and Colitis
Ceftin, Fortaz, Rocephin, and Zinacef (cephalosporin-based antibiotic medications) can cause pseudomembranous colitis, severe inflammation in areas of the colon (large intestine).  Children are particularly susceptible to developing antibiotic-related colitis, which can cause serious illness and death. 

Symptoms of pseudomembranous colitis include:

  • Watery and/or bloody diarrhea
  • Loose discharges of pus
  • Blood and mucus from the bowel
  • Urge to defecate
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Low-grade fever

A primary symptom is diarrhea.  The FDA has announced new “Precautions” for the labels of Ceftin, Fortaz, Rocephin, and Zinacef that address the possible development of diarrhea:

Diarrhea is a common problem caused by antibiotics which usually ends when the antibiotic is discontinued. Sometimes after starting treatment with antibiotics, patients can develop watery and bloody stools (with or without stomach cramps and fever) even as late as two or more months after having taken the last dose of the antibiotic.  [Note that the antibiotic-related diarrhea can occur 2 months after the last dose was taken.]  If this occurs, patients should contact their physician as soon as possible.

The Role of Ceftin, Fortaz, Rocephin, and Zinacef in the Development of Colitis
New “Warnings” for Ceftin, Fortaz, Rocephin, and Zinacef provide information regarding how taking these medications can lead to colitis:

Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including Ceftin, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile.  [Clostridium difficile is a bacterium that is normally found in the human colon.  Antibiotics, including Ceftin, Fortaz, Rocephin, and Zinacef, can cause Clostridium difficile to overgrow, which may cause the lining of the colon to become raw and bleed.]

C. difficile produces toxins A and B which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin producing strains of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibiotic use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents.

If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibiotic use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibiotic treatment of C. difficile, and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated.

Pritzker | Olsen, P.A. has a national reputation, and lawyers at the firm have been interviewed by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Lawyers USA, and other publications.  In recognition of their accomplishments, attorneys Fred Pritzker, Elliot Olsen and Eric Hageman have been named, once again, "Super Lawyers" by their state's Law & Politics magazine.  To contact Pritzker | Olsen, P.A., please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm's online consultation form.  The firm also has information regarding Rocephin and infant deaths.

 


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