Zithromax Study Shows Link to Liver Damage and Liver Toxicity

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A Zithromax study published in the National Library of Health Medicine in August 2013 found a strong link between the popular antibiotic and a high risk of developing  hepatotoxicity, also known as toxic liver disease.

Zithromax (generic, azithromycin) and similar macrolide antibiotics, have about one to two percent rate chance of developing liver toxicity in patients who use Zithromax for a short period of time, and a higher rate in patients prescribed Zithromax for longer periods. Zithromax may also cause liver damage to consumers and typically manifests one to three weeks from the first day of Z-Pak treatment.

While the liver toxicity will usually resolve on its own within a couple days of discontinuing Zithromax treatment, those consumers who have sustained liver damage from their Z-Pak treatment will need extra care and monitoring.

According to the report, “the acute hepatic injury with jaundice, however, can be prolonged and troublesome and lead to loss of intrahepatic bile ducts and vanishing bile duct syndrome. Rare instances of acute liver failure and fatality from azithromycin-induced liver disease have been reported.”

Pfizer has not made any public statements regarding the development of toxic liver disease, liver damage, and other liver problems as a result of using Zithromax.

What is Zithromax?

Zithromax, Zmax and Z-Pak are popular antibiotics produced and sold by Pfizer Inc. Zithromax is usually prescribed to treat acute bacterial infections, pneumonia, tonsillitis, and other antibiotic susceptible conditions. Since receiving approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1996, Zithromax made Pfizer $450 million in one year of sales alone.

Pfizer Inc. has come under fire recently for the high incidences of patients developing serious, life-threatening conditions after taking Zithromax, such as cardiovascular failure and liver damage.

On March 12, 2013, the FDA released a public warning about the dangers of using Zithromax and its link to serious heart side effects. The report warns against “abnormal changes in the electrical activity of the heart that may lead to a potentially fatal irregular heart rhythm.” The statement also advises healthcare professionals to prescribe an alternative antibiotic when possible, especially in cases of patients with a high risk of cardiovascular complications.

Additionally, on Jan. 28, 2011, the FDA released a public warning concerning the possibility of developing hepatotoxicity and liver damage as a result of taking Zithromax. Since that report, Pfizer has changed the labeling of Zithromax and Z-Pak to reflect the possible danger.

What is Hepatotoxicity?

Hepatotoxicity (or Toxic Liver Disease) can occur as a result of consuming Zithromax. Because it is processed in the liver, individuals with known and unknown liver problems, or a person with undiagnosed abnormal liver functions, may be at risk of developing a toxic liver. In its most severe form, hepatotoxicity may result in a patient’s death.

Symptoms of Toxic Liver Disease include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• abdominal pain
• loss of appetite
• diarrhea
• feeling tired or weak
• jaundice
• liver enlargement

Zithromax Side Effects

Other serious and potentially life threatening Zithromax side effects include:

• Heart Attack
• Stevens Johnson Syndrome
• Liver Failure
• Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
• Cardiovascular Problems
• Sudden Death

Join a Free Zithromax Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you believe that you or a loved one has been the victim of a Zithromax/Z-Pak injury such as a heart attack, liver damage, or Stevens Johnson Syndrome, you have legal options. See if you qualify to join a free Zithromax class action lawsuit investigation and pursue compensation for you or your loved one’s injuries:

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