Amanda Antell  |  May 1, 2015

Category: Legal News

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ZithromaxZithromax (generic, azithromycin) is one of the most popular antibiotics in the United States, and is prescribed every day to patients suffering severe bacterial infections. However, Zithromax has also been criticized for being overprescribed, causing liver failure, and inducing Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

This drug is part of the macrolide antibiotic family, which works by preventing the reproduction of bacteria and limiting the infection shift. To do this, Zithromax attacks the proteins the bacteria needs for growth and reproduction, which prevents any new cells from being formed, and allows the older cells to die out or be destroyed by the immune system. Zithromax’s treatment mechanism is drastically different compared to traditional antibiotics, which aim to kill bacteria entirely.

Due to its aggressive treatment mechanism, Zithromax is a popular choice to treat bronchitis, pneumonia, ear infections, skin infections, and certain sexually transmitted diseases. Additionally, this treatment mechanism means that it works much faster than traditional antibiotics, only requiring a five-day prescription compared to the typical 10-day cycle for most antibiotics. This makes Zithromax highly popular.

Manufactured by Pfizer and approved in 1992, Zithromax quickly became a pharmaceutical phenomenon that earned billions every year for its maker. It is commonly prescribed for so many uses that it is considered one of the most essential medications in the world, by the World Health Organization (WHO). Despite the drug’s overwhelming popularity, many problems have arose over the years for Pfizer regarding Zithromax.

Overview of Zithromax Complications

Overprescription is a concern in the medical community for any established medication because it can mean the development of resistant bacteria strains and unnecessary side effects.

According to medical experts, numerous patients are prescribed Zithromax when it is not needed or applicable, leading to more problems for the company and patients. From overprescription, the number of patients likely to suffer severe side effects increases significantly, especially in the case of liver failure and Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS).

Pfizer has faced numerous Zithromax lawsuits for liver toxicity or liver-related injuries. Experts explain that liver problems stem from Zithromax, because the medication is processed through the liver, which can lead to permanent organ damage.

Zithromax’s warning label was officially updated to inside possible liver failure on Jan. 28, 2011, encouraging patients to report any signs of liver failure to their physician immediately. Liver failure can have fatal consequences and normally incurred over several years, but in cases of acute liver failure, organ failure is can occur in 48 hours. If detected early enough, treatment can be implemented but often requires a liver transplant. Signs of liver failure include nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, fatigue, yellowing skin or eyes, and swollen abdomen. It is important to note that even with the official warning of liver toxicity, it is still a very rare side effect that patients are unlikely to encounter.

The same can be said about Stevens Johnson Syndrome, which is even more rare than Zithromax liver failure and more difficult to treat. Stevens Johnson Syndrome is an extremely rare and severe allergic skin reaction, which is specifically caused by an adverse reaction to a medication.

It is famously characterized by the red or purple skin lesions that appears on the patient’s skin, which later detaches from the patient’s body. SJS often consumes up to 30 percent of the skin surface area. If not treated immediately, SJS can have fatal consequences and life-long effects such as scarring and blindness.

Both of these side effects have led to Zithromax lawsuits being filed against Pfizer, with patients alleging that the company failed to protect them against the design defects of their drugs. Additionally, the plaintiffs claim that the company failed to warn them of these side effects, in order to protect the market value of their product.

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 were diagnosed with liver failure, kidney 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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