First ceftriaxone reports came from Franklin, Winston counties

Reports from Franklin and Winston counties were the first reports the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) received about possible adverse effects from the antibiotic ceftriaxone.

Wes Stubblefield, who is a district medical officer for ADPH, said those initial reports were received in mid-December.

Last week, additional reports from medical providers in Colbert and Lauderdale counties were received, he confirmed.

“We are still getting reports from medical providers as we speak,” Stubblefield said.

Last week, ADPH reported it was investigating 11 reports of “potential adverse effects” from the antibiotic given to patients in Alabama.

Stubblefield said each report is being treated differently.

“In some of these cases, the patients may be taking regular medications,” he said. “In other cases, the antibiotic may not have been the only medication administered during a patient’s visit. So, there are so many variables that we have to look at.”

Stubblefield struck down a rumor that a specific lot number was associated with the antibiotic.

He said the adverse effects came from different makers and lot numbers associated with the antibiotic.

As to when a final report may be generated, Stubblefield said it’s hard to say.

“We are asking medical providers to file a report if they encounter an adverse event, so this investigation remains open and ongoing,” he said.