Hospira, Inc. has shipped the first customer orders of the company's generic ceftriaxone for injection, USP. The medication is the generic version of Roche Pharmaceuticals' Rocephin, the world's leading injectable antibiotic, which posted 2004 US sales of more than $650 million.

"Hospira is offering generic ceftriaxone in a broad array of delivery options, positioning us to help hospitals reduce costs when treating patients with this important medication," said Thomas G. Moore, vice president and general manager, Specialty Injectable Pharmaceuticals, Hospira.

The ADD-Vantage drug delivery system from Hospira enhances customer convenience and aids patient safety by eliminating the need for needles.

Ceftriaxone is indicated for the treatment of susceptible bacterial infections in the lung, skin, abdomen, genitourinary tract, ear, blood, central nervous system, bone and joint. It is also indicated for surgical prophylaxis.

Hospira offers more than 130 generic injectable products in more than 600 dosages and formulations. Product areas include cardiovascular, anaesthesia, anti-infectives, analgesics, emergency and other therapeutic segments.