Zithromax (also known by its generic name Azithromycin) is a popular Pfizer Inc. antibiotic that is regularly prescribed as a treatment for acute bacterial infections, tonsillitis, pneumonia, and other conditions. Zithromax gained U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in 1996 and has since made Pfizer hundreds of millions of dollars every sales year.

Pfizer has recently come under legal scrutiny for a high number of doctor and patient reports about individuals allegedly contracting life-threatening conditions after taking Zithromax. These conditions include:

• Heart attack
• Stevens Johnson Syndrome
• Liver failure
• Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
• Cardiovascular problems
• Sudden death

Many individuals and their families have filed Zithromax class action lawsuits after allegedly contracting one or more of the above named conditions.

Zithromax and Liver Toxicity

A study released last year demonstrated a strong correlation between Zithromax use and an individual’s increased risk of developing hepatotoxicity (toxic liver disease). According to the study, Zithromax has about a 1-2 percent liver toxicity occurrence rate in patients who are short-term Zithromax users. This rate increases when patients are prescribed longer treatment courses of Zithromax, and consumers will typically begin to manifest liver damage symptoms one to three weeks after initial use of Zithromax.

Liver toxicity generally resolves on its own after an individual has discontinued their course of Zithromax. However, consumers who sustained liver damage while on Zithromax will require extra care and medical monitoring. There have been rare instances of fatal liver damage in some Zithromax consumers.

Zithromax and Heart Attack

The FDA released a public warning on March 12, 2013, about the increased dangers of cardiovascular activity in Zithromax users. The report states that Zithromax has allegedly been associated with, “abnormal changes in the electrical activity of the heart that may lead to a potentially fatal irregular heart rhythm.”

The FDA public notice also advises physicians and healthcare professionals to prescribe alternative antibiotic courses when possible and to take extra precaution when prescribing Zithromax to patients with a history of cardiovascular complications.

Zithromax and Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS)

Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and a related disease Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) are painful and often life-threatening skin conditions that cause an individual’s top layer of skin to separate from the deeper layers and expose the mucous membrane. The sensitive mucous membrane then becomes blistered and scarred. SJS most commonly occurs in adults ages 20-40, but has also been known to develop in children as young as three months. Recent reports have allegedly linked Zithromax use with an even higher prevalence of SJS in patients.

Additional Zithromax Side Effects

Aside from the life-threatening conditions detailed above, additional Zithromax side effects reported by physicians and consumers include:

• Chest pain, uneven heartbeats
• Severe skin reaction
• Mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
• Stomach pain or upset
• Dizziness, tired feeling, or headache
• Nervous feeling, sleep problems (insomnia)
• Vaginal itching or discharge
• Mild itching or skin rash
• Ringing in your ears, problems with hearing
• Decreased sense of taste or smell

Many individuals have already filed or joined Zithromax class actions lawsuits and many more are expected to join throughout the year.