A recent Zithromax study explores the connection between the popular antibiotic Zithromax (called Z-Pak or ZMax) and possible side effects such as a heart attack or other cardiac event, and the number of Zithromax lawsuits filed across the country are rapidly growing.

Zithromax has been used to treat many common bacterial infections, such as tonsillitis and urinary tract infections.

However, Zithromax lawsuits are claiming that the antibiotic is causing severe Zithromax side effects including heart attacks, Stevens Johnson Syndrome (a severe skin disorder that causes the skin to blister from the inside out), liver failure, toxic epidermal necrolysis (a more deadly form of Stevens Johnson Syndrome), and other cardiovascular problems. Many studies have been done across the world looking into the claims made in these Zithromax lawsuits by people allegedly considered to be victims of unknown Zithromax side effects.

New England Journal of Medicine Studies 

The New England Journal of Medicine was the first to suggest that Zithromax increases the risk of heart attack. In May 2012, researchers found that those who took Zithromax were 2.5 times more likely to die because of heart complications as opposed to other antibiotics, such as amoxcillin. 

In May 2013, however, the New England Journal of Medicine published a study done by Danish researchers with an slightly altered conclusion. Researchers found that those who were already predisposed to heart attacks or other cardiac events and who had infections (thus the need for Zithromax) were more likely to have a heart attack. The study suggested that Zithromax did not cause more risk than other antibiotics. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), however, has been looking into Zithromax side effects since the first study was published in 2012. In March 2013, the agency found that Zithromax can cause abnormal heart activity. In some cases, Zithromax has allegedly caused cases of torsades de pointes, a dangerous abnormal heart rhythm. Many reports from Zithromax users have been filed claiming that Zithromax has potentially severe side effects.

The new New England Journal of Medicine study will hopefully lead to additional research on Zithromax side effects. Though the increased risk of Zithromax heart attacks could possibly be more limited than originally supposed, there is still an apparent difference between Zithromax and other antibiotics. Individuals and families across the country are taking legal action against Pfizer for allegedly causing dangerous Zithromax side effects or even death.