Zithromax (azithromycin,) was first introduced by Pfizer in 1991. Although it is also available as a generic, the medication generated more than $450 million in sales for Pfizer in 2011.

It is one of the most widely prescribed antibiotics because treatments involving this medication require fewer doses over a shorter period than many other antibiotics.

It is used to treat bacterial infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and infections of the ears, lungs and other organs. Its use has since expanded to include a sexually transmitted diseases and middle-ear infections in children.

In most cases, Zithromax is well-tolerated in patients. In clinical trials, side effects were found to occur in approximately 12 percent of patients, and less than 10 percent of those side effects were classified as severe. Most side effects were mild, but some rare but serious side effects have been reported, including fatal heart problems, allergic reactions and liver disease.

Additionally, severe kidney injuries have also been reported by Zithromax patients as a rare, but dangerous, side effect of the medication.

Kidney Damage Symptoms

Zithromax was approved by the FDA in June 1996. Pfizer received numerous reports of adverse antibiotic reactions, specifically involving kidney failure soon after the drug’s release.

However, there are additional reports that Pfizer knew about potential Zithromax side effects, including kidney damage or failure, as early as 1998, but waited to change the warning label until they were required by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration to do so in late 2000.

Zithromax kidney damage or failure symptoms include:

• Metallic taste in the mouth/ammonia breath
• Nausea and vomiting
• Changes in urination
• Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, face and/or hands
• Fatigue
• Skin rash/itching
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Feeling cold
• Leg pain

Does Zithromax Cause Kidney Problems?

The kidneys help filter waste, excess fluid, and toxins from blood. They are also important for blood cell production and bone health. If the kidneys don’t work properly, harmful substances build up in the body, blood pressure can rise, and too much fluid can collect in the body’s tissues, which leads to swelling, called edema.

If the kidneys fail, a person will need dialysis or kidney transplant. Kidney dialysis is a life-support treatment that replaces many of the kidney’s important functions using a special machine to filter harmful wastes, salt, and excess fluid from your blood. This restores the blood to a normal, healthy balance.

Since, Zithromax is filtered out of the body by the liver and kidneys, the risk of damage to these organs is increased because the medicine is a particularly potent antibiotic medication, possibly leading to long-term kidney complications.

Zithromax Lawsuits

People who took Zithromax to treat an infection, but suffered dangerous serious side effects, had a right to know that it could potentially cause them more harm than benefit. Their doctors also should have been informed through more extensive label warnings.

Pfizer is facing numerous claims of failure to warn of dangerous health risks regarding its effect on the renal system leading to long-term kidney complications in many users. These Zithromax lawsuits claim Pfizer over-marketed the drug knowing of the dangers and risks.

Someone who has suffered kidney complications that led to the need for dialysis as a result of taking Zithromax may have a valid Zithromax lawsuit. Drug manufacturers have a duty to design a reasonably safe medicine as well as provide adequate warnings.