High incidence of discontinuations due to adverse events in patients treated with ceftaroline

To determine clinical outcomes in patients who received ceftaroline (Teflaro) 600 mg intravenously every 8 or 12 hours after failing or developing intolerance to first-line agents including vancomycin, daptomycin, or linezolid.

Retrospective chart review and review of the literature.

Large academic medical center and regional Level 1 trauma and burn center.

Twelve patients who received ceftaroline for the treatment of refractory methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus infections between March 2011 and October 2012.

Ceftaroline was discontinued in 9 (75%) of 12 patients secondary to adverse effects. The average age of patients who discontinued ceftaroline was 53 years, with a mean body mass index of 29 kg/m(2) and an average of four comorbidities (range one to eight). The median time to discontinuation due to perceived adverse effect was 22 days (range 5-62 days). The reasons for discontinuation of therapy were hematologic toxicities in seven patients and severe rash in two patients. Two patients completed therapy without documented adverse events, and one patient died on day 9 of ceftaroline therapy.

When given for off-label indications to 12 patients at our institutions, ceftaroline was associated with an unexpectedly high rate (75%) of discontinuation due to perceived adverse events, including hematologic toxicities and rash.