Non-Profit Advocacy Groups Join FDA in Zithromax Awareness Effort

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Independent non-profit advocates have joined the U.S. Food and  Drug Administration in its effort to spread awareness of the side effects of Zithromax and the idea of not defaulting to the popular antibiotic as the first line of defense in treating illness.

The announcement of this alliance was made several weeks ago, when several advocacy groups noticed a continued rise of Zithromax prescriptions, and the correlation of injury occurrence.  Additionally, the FDA is getting a greater amount of inquiries from consumers, who may have suffered from cardiac complications caused by the medication.  Both the advocacy groups and the FDA are concerned over these side effects of Zithromax, as it has made many appearances over the past few years.

The advocacy groups and the FDA are primarily concerned with patients who were unnecessarily prescribed Zithromax, who already have a pre-existing heart conditions.  The specific cardiovascular risks and complications that have been discussed in this concern include:

•    QT interval prolongation
•    Low blood levels of potassium or magnesium
•    Slower than normal heart rate

The FDA sent out several public warnings regarding Zithromax side effects on the heart before, but on March 3, 2013, the agency issued a public notice, confirming the suspicions and fears of some medical experts.  The warning addressed the side effect of cardiac electrical activity that is caused from Zithromax ingestion.  These electrical changes can lead to potential fatal heart rhythm, or even heart attack.  The announcement said that the patients who are at the highest risk are those with a pre-existing heart condition, low potassium or magnesium levels in their blood, and those who are taking cardiac medications.

These unnecessary deaths of lead to mass litigation against Pfizer, with most lawsuits alleging negligence, false advertising, misrepresenting a product, and concealing information.

Overview of Zithromax Complications

Zithromax (Azithromycin) was first approved by the FDA in 1991, to be used as an antibiotic.  It is manufactured by Pfizer, and is widely considered the most popular antibiotic in the United States, generating more than $450 million in 2011, alone.  While most experts do not argue that the medication is efficient at what it does, many agree that overprescribing the medication may make the medication ineffective inside the patient, and exposes patients to the unnecessary risk of cardiac complications.  Approximately 55.3 million units of Zithromax are prescribed per year in the United States, with an estimated 2,600 of them, suffering from sudden cardiac death.

Many experts agree that the two main components of Zithromax’s popularity, pertains to its short prescription requirement, and how it treats bacteria.  Unlike most antibiotics that try to attack the bacteria directly, Zithromax stops the bacteria from reproducing by disrupting their protein synthesis.  Without reproduction, the bacteria cells eventually die out, which would end the infection.  The prescription time is only required for five days, instead of the standard ten, making it especially popular amongst children and parents.

Help for Victims of Zithromax Side Effect Victims

If you believe that you or a loved one have been the victim of a Zithromax cardiac complication, you have legal options.  Please visit the Zithromax, Z-Pak, & Azithromycin Class Action Lawsuit Investigation.  There, you can submit your claim for a free legal review and if it qualifies for legal action, a seasoned Zithromax lawyer will contact you for a free, no-obligation consultation.  You will be guided through the litigation process at no out-of-pocket expenses or hidden fees.  The Zithromax attorneys working this investigation do not get paid until you do.