(NewsNation) — A drug many hospitals rely on to treat serious infections could come with its own risks, a new study suggests.
The antibiotic, cefepime, is used to treat infections like pneumonia, urinary tract infections, skin infections and meningitis in patients with weakened immune systems. It’s one of the most commonly used antibiotics in hospitals.
Using data from 110 clinical trials that included more than 22,600 patients, both children and adults, researchers compared people who received cefepime to people who received other antibiotics. The study found that cefepime carried a 94% higher risk of death in adults.
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Cefepime concerns go back to a 2007 study that found a similar pattern, but a follow-up review by the FDA, which included data from drug companies that was never made public, didn’t find a clear risk.
It’s unclear what may make cefepime riskier than other antibiotics.
The study does not discourage using cefepime, as it is still an important drug for treating dangerous, life-threatening infections. But researchers say hospitals and doctors should consider the study when making decisions about which antibiotic to use, especially when other options are available.
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