CLASS II Drug recall · Reported 13 Jan 2021 · FDA Enforcement Report
Zerbaxa (ceftolozane and tazobactam) per vial for injection recalled
Merck Sharp & Dohme is recalling Zerbaxa (ceftolozane and tazobactam) per vial for injection, Single-Dose vial, distributed nationwide in the US. The recall was initiated on 21 Dec 2020 and the FDA has classified it as Class II.
Check your package
Check the lot number on your package against the affected lots. If it matches, contact the pharmacy that dispensed it or your prescriber before stopping any medication.
Recall details
- Recall number
- D-0176-2021
- FDA event ID
- 87018
- Recalling firm
- Merck Sharp & Dohme, Rahway, NJ
- Brand
- Zerbaxa
- Manufacturer
- Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
- Classification
- Class II
- Status
- Terminated
- Recall initiated
- 21 Dec 2020
- FDA classified
- 7 Jan 2021
- Reported
- 13 Jan 2021
- Type
- Voluntary: Firm initiated
- Customers notified by
- Letter
- Reason category
- Sterility
- Drug class
- Injectable & IV Drugs
Timeline
| 21 Dec 2020 | Recall initiated by company | |
| 7 Jan 2021 | Classified by FDA | +17 days |
| 13 Jan 2021 | Published in enforcement report | +6 days |
Companies usually start a recall weeks before the FDA classifies and publishes it; the gap above is that lag.
Reason for recall
Lack of assurance of sterility: The results of sterility tests of seven batches of product were out of specification. Five of these batches tested positive for Ralstonia pickettii and two batches produced turbid results that could not be further identified. While all product distributed to the market has met the registered specifications for release, including for sterility, it was manufactured on the same equipment as the affected batches.
A sterility recall means a product that must be sterile, such as an injection or eye drop, may be contaminated. Using a non-sterile product can cause serious infection.
Product as listed by the FDA
Zerbaxa (ceftolozane and tazobactam) 1.5g per vial for injection, Single-Dose vial, Rx only, Manuf. for: Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., NDC 67919-030-01
Where it was distributed
U.S.A. Nationwide
Questions about this recall
Why was it recalled?
Lack of assurance of sterility: The results of sterility tests of seven batches of product were out of specification. Five of these batches tested positive for Ralstonia pickettii and two batches produced turbid results that could not be further identified. While all product distributed to the market has met the registered specifications for release, including for sterility, it was manufactured on the same equipment as the affected batches.
Which lots are affected?
All lots within expiry: SP1488 08-Jun-21; SP1490 11-Jun-21; SP1492 13-Jun-21; SP1493 15-Jun-21; SP1494 21-Jun-21; SP1495 23-Jun-21; SP1496 25-Jun-21; SP1497 27-Jun-21; SP1498 29-Jun-21; SP1509 20-Sep-21; SP1510 26-Sep-21; SP1515 16-Oct-21; SP1517 23-Oct-21; SP1518 25-Oct-21; SP1519 30-Oct-21; SP1520 01-Nov-21; SP1521 06-Nov-21; SP1522 08-Nov-21; SP1523;13-Nov-21; SP1524; 15-Nov-21; SP1525 20-Nov-21; SP1526 27-Nov-21; SP1537 11-Jan-22; SP1564 17-Oct-22; SP1567 16-Oct-22; SP1572 24-Oct-22; SP1573; 28-Oct-22; SP1574 29-Oct-22; SP1584; 14-Nov-22; SP1586; 15-Nov-22; SP1588; 19-Nov-22; SP1593 03-Dec-22; SP1602 18-Dec-22; SP1603; 19-Dec-22; SP1606 08-Jan-23; SP1609 15-Jan-23; SP1610 20-Jan-23; SP1611 22-Jan-23; SP1626 13-Apr-23; SP1629 17-Apr-23; SP1633 21-Apr-23
Where was it sold?
U.S.A. Nationwide
What should I do if I have it?
Check the lot number on your package against the affected lots. If it matches, contact the pharmacy that dispensed it or your prescriber before stopping any medication.
What does Class II mean?
Class II means the product may cause temporary or medically reversible health problems, or the probability of serious harm is remote.
Read the official FDA notice · Source record retrieved 26 Sep 2026. The FDA describes openFDA data as unvalidated; the official notice takes precedence. This page reports the record and gives no medical advice.
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