Physician Warns of Zithromax Liver Damage

Kristie Leong, MD, recently took to Yahoo! to warn consumers of the risks of Zithromax and liver damage.

“Zithromax is an antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections including some types of pneumonia, skin infections, bacterial sinus infections, and sore throats that are caused by bacteria,” Dr. Leong explains.

Many doctor agree that antibiotics in general are over-prescribed. However, Zithromax is so popular because patients only need to take it for the course of five days instead of the usual nine or more for other antibiotics.

However, Zithromax has allegedly caused liver damage in so many people that a Zithromax class action lawsuit has been formed.

“Unfortunately, taking Zithromax may not be the best choice when there are other antibiotic alternatives available,” Dr. Leong warns. “The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is looking more closely at this antibiotic, along with several others, because of concerns about serious side effects including liver failure.”

More people are filing Zithromax lawsuits each month as they discover that the liver damage they sustained may be linked to the antibiotic. There are cases of children as young as two dying from Zithromax side effects. However, since it’s so widely prescribed and under-warned about, Zithromax class action lawsuits claim, many people don’t immediately make the connection between Z-Pak and liver damage.

“The FDA added azithromycin to a list of antibiotics to be studied more closely because of safety concerns,” Dr. Leong says. “Zithromax was targeted because of reports of liver problems in people taking this drug. Some people taking Zithromax developed liver abnormalities ranging from liver inflammation to liver failure, and some have died.”

Even though the antibiotic is only taken for five short days, serious damage can occur according to experts like Dr. Leong.

Plus, there’s no such thing as being “immune” to it, she says.

“People who take Zithromax should be aware that the potential for liver problems exist when taking this medication, but being added to the FDA’s watch list doesn’t necessarily mean a drug is unsafe,” Dr. Leong explains.

However, it may mean that the Zithromax warnings aren’t as comprehensive as they should be.

“It simply means that the FDA has some concerns about potential Zithromax side effects and wants to evaluate the medication more closely,” Dr. Leong said.

On the other hand, the sheer number of Zithromax victims claiming that the antibiotic caused liver damage is alarming, especially when some of those victims are young children.

“If an association between taking Zithromax and liver problems is found, the FDA may include a warning label on the packaging of Zithromax,” she said.

Some people say that a new warning label isn’t enough, especially when there are safer antibiotics available.

Dr. Leong adds that “another form of azithromycin extended release, also known as Zmax, was added to the FDA’s watch list because of concerns it may increase the risk of a condition called pyloric stenosis…where the pyloris, the portion of the stomach leading into the small intestine, narrows. This causes an obstruction which leads to repeated vomiting and dehydration.”

Understanding Zithromax Safety

Zithromax isn’t the only antibiotic linked to liver damage and other concerns. However, it is one with a high number of people joining the Zithromax class action lawsuit.

“The FDA is also evaluating the antibiotic clarithromycin for possible liver toxicity and an antibiotic called daptomycin for an association with a lung condition called pulmonary eosinophilia which causes inflammation of the lungs,” she adds.

“If you have a history of liver disease of any kind, it’s best to avoid taking Zithromax or Biaxin until more is known. In most cases, your doctor can offer you an alternative antibiotic,” she says.

Self-described as a family physician with a strong interest in disease prevention and alternative medicine, Dr. Leong urges everyone to talk in depth with their health care provider about any risks of medications.

Join a Zithromax Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you took Zithromax, Z-Pak or azithromycin and sustained liver damage or suffered another side effect, you might have a Zithromax legal claim. See if you qualify now by submitting your information for a free case evaluation:

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