Meredith Friesen  |  December 18, 2014

Category: Legal News

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Zithromax side effectsHundreds if not thousands of people may have been affected by Zithromax side effects. Zithromax, or Z-Pak, is a popular antibiotic that may have been the cause of several heart attacks, liver problems, or Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) cases. Several Zithromax lawsuits have been filed, alleging Zithromax manufacturer Pfizer Inc. failed to warn users of known Zithromax side effects.

Zithromax Heart Attacks

The New England Journal of Medicine published a study in 2012 that suggested individuals who took Zithromax (Z-Pak or Azithromycin) were twice as likely to die from heart attack when compared to other antibiotics.

The study examined thousands of patients in Tennessee and looked at users of Zithromax, amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and non-antibiotic users.

The researchers found an increase in Zithromax heart attack was more prominent during the first five days of treatment.

Zithromax/Z-Pak belongs to a class of drugs called macrolides. Macrolides have been said to cause heart attacks and other cardiovascular events in some users.

Because of Zithromax side effect research and adverse consumer reports, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning in March 2013, asking that doctors use caution when prescribing as to avoid Zithromax side effects. The agency also advised that Zithromax not be prescribed to patients with a known history of cardiovascular problems.

Zithromax Liver Problems

The National Library of Health Medicine published a study in 2013 that suggested Zithromax led to an increased chance of toxic liver disease (or hepatotoxicity). The Zithromax side effects study claimed that Pfizer’s drug may increase the chance of toxic liver disease by 1-2 percent. This percentage increases if someone uses Zithromax for longer than a few days.

Though this percentage may appear to be low, toxic liver disease can quickly turn deadly. Drugs that increase liver problem risks should be prescribed and used with caution.

While liver toxicity itself tends to regulate itself once Zithromax use has ceased, an individual who experienced liver damage may have higher risks of Zithromax liver problems.

Zithromax Stevens Johnson Syndrome

SJS is a rare but dangerous skin condition that typically manifests as an allergic drug reaction. It begins with flu-like symptoms and a rash, but SJS can develop into severe blisters that can cause the skin to peel off. For many SJS victims, the top layer of skin dies, leaving the wound open to secondary infection and sepsis. Mucous membranes, such as those found in the eyes, mouth, and pelvic area, may also be affected. While only 5-15 percent of SJS patients die, the condition can lead to permanent scarring and other side effects.

SJS may develop into Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), which is when the blistering affects more than 30 percent of the skin. The fatality rate rises to 30-40 percent for TEN patients.

This Zithromax side effect, though rare, can be extremely painful and debilitating. It has been suggested that Zithromax has higher SJS risks than other macrolides.

Zithromax Side Effect Lawsuits

Zithromax lawsuits have been filed across the nation claiming that Pfizer failed to warn users about adverse Zithromax side effects such as heart attack, liver problems, and SJS. Wrongful death lawsuits have been filed on behalf of loved ones who may have died due to a Zithromax side effect. Zithromax lawsuits seek compensation on behalf of alleged Zithromax victims.

Do YOU have a legal claim? Fill out the form on this page now for a free, immediate, and confidential case evaluation. The Zithromax attorneys who work with Top Class Actions will contact you if you qualify to let you know if an individual lawsuit or Zithromax class action lawsuit is best for you. [In general, Zithromax lawsuits are filed individually by each plaintiff and are not class actions.] Hurry — statutes of limitations may apply.

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If you or a loved one had a heart attack, liver failure, Stevens Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis after taking Zithromax, Z-Pak, Zmax or azithromycin, you may have a legal claim. See if you qualify by filling out the short form below.

A Zithromax attorney will contact you if you qualify to discuss the details of your potential case at no charge to you.

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