Zithromax is a popular antibiotic manufactured by Pfizer for the treatment of mild to moderate infections.

Zithromax has been linked to an increase risk of liver damage, elevated liver enzymes, jaundice and death.

Zithromax (azithromycin, Z-Pak, or Zmax) is a prescription medication first approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1992 and used in the treatment of a number of common bacterial infections and sexually transmitted diseases.

The drug works by decreasing bacteria’s ability to make protein and affecting peptide activity, thus stopping bacteria from continuing to live and cause infection in the body. Zithromax is available in either tablet form or as a liquid suspension and is licensed for use in both adults and children..

Recently there have been reports of severe Zithromax side effects from the drug, including liver damage putting patients in the need for liver transplant surgery. Some patients have died from the Zithromax liver failure. The active ingredient in Zithromax is azithromycin.

According to the Zithromax label, azithromycin is mainly eliminated from the patient’s system through the liver, meaning that patients with liver disease could be at an increased risk of side effects.

Zithromax Liver Damage

The risk of liver damage is increased because the medicine is particularly powerful. When passing through the body, Zithromax must be filtered through the liver. It is there where the drug accumulates and begins to cause severe side effects.

Individuals who have taken Zithromax have experienced mild to severe side effects that include but are not limited to:

• Liver damage and liver failure
• Cardiovascular palpitations
• Jaundice
• Death

The symptoms of Zithromax liver failure include:

• Jaundice
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Fever
• Severe fatigue
• Dark urine
• Elevated liver enzymes

Zithromax FDA Warning

Zithromax was approved by the FDA in June 1996. Zithromax liver damage and failure cases have been reported as early as 1996. However, Pfizer, the manufacturer of the drug waited more than four years to warn the public of these severe Zithromax liver side effects and waited to change the warning label until they were required by the FDA to do so in late 2000.

In January 2011, the FDA required the company to further update the warning label on Z-Pak about possible jaundice as well as abnormal liver function, jaundice, necrosis liver failure and even death.

Zithromax Lawsuits

Pfizer has faced many legal problems due to its manufacturing and marketing of Zithromax. If you or a loved one has been injured by Zithromax, you may have a valid Zithromax lawsuit.