Sarah Mirando  |  July 16, 2013

Category: Pharmaceuticals

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Pfizer Accused of Downplaying Zithromax Heart Risks

By Anne Bucher

 

Zithromax side effects lawsuitZithromax (azithromycin) is one of the most popular antibiotics in the country. Zithromax is used to treat bacterial infections, including respiratory infections, skin infections, sexually transmitted diseases and ear infections. Despite its popularity, the drug has been linked to serious health complications, including heart attacks, Stevens Johnson Syndrome, cardiovascular problems and liver failure. Patients who take Zithromax need to be aware of these potentially fatal Zithromax complications and speak with their doctors about the risk.

Studies Suggest Zithromax Heart Risk

In May 2012, the New England Journal of Medicine published a study that found that patients who took Zithromax were twice as likely to die of a sudden cardiovascular event as patients who took amoxicillin or no drug at all. Patients with preexisting heart conditions are at the most risk of experiencing Zithromax cardiac death.

In March 2013, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) warned that azithromycin can cause abnormal electrical changes in the heart. This electrical change can lead to a potentially fatal irregular heart rhythm. Patients at risk of developing this potentially fatal Zithromax heart rhythm include patients with certain risk factors, including existing QT interval prolongation, low potassium or magnesium blood levels or slower than normal heart rate. Patients who are already taking medications to treat heart conditions are also at an increased risk of developing the potentially fatal heart rhythm.

Pfizer Agreed to $6M Settlement Over Direct-to-Consumer Marketing

Zithromax’s rise in popularity was due in part to Pfizer’s aggressive direct-to-consumer marketing campaign. Through its marketing materials, Pfizer attempted to convince parents that Zithromax was a convenient alternative to other antibiotics when treating children’s ear infections. Because Zithromax was designed to be taken over a shorter period of time than most antibiotics, children would be cured of their ear infections within just a few days.

This shortened course of treatment also appealed to many adults who were seeking treatment for a variety of ailments. Because of Pfizer’s aggressive direct-to-consumer marketing campaign, many doctors reported patients demanding to be treated with Zithromax, even if antibiotics were not appropriate to treat the condition.

Many people have filed Zithromax lawsuits around the country, alleging that Pfizer failed to adequately warn about the risks associated with Zithromax. They claim that Pfizer prioritized profits over public health and downplayed the dangers posed by Zithromax. In a Zithromax settlement agreement, Pfizer agreed to spend $2 million on public service announcements that clarify that antibiotics are only effective at treating bacterial infections and should not be used for viral infections. The pharmaceutical company also agreed to pay a total of $4 million to 19 states that were involved in the investigation.

Talk with a Zithromax Lawyer

If you or someone you love has experienced serious health complications after taking Zithromax, you may be able to take legal action. To learn more about your rights, visit the Zithromax, Z-Pak, Azithromycin Heart Attack, Stevens Johnson Syndrome & Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Class Action Lawsuit Settlement & Investigation. When you submit information about your Zithromax complications, an attorney will conduct a free case review to determine whether you qualify to file a lawsuit.

 

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Updated July 16th, 2013

 

All medical device, dangerous drug and medical class action and lawsuit news updates are listed in the Drug and Medical Device section of Top Class Actions.

 

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