Popular Z-Pak Linked to Cardiac Deaths

Zithromax (azithromycin) is the most popular antibiotic in the United States, prescribed to adults and children alike.  It is mostly popularly sold as a Z-Pak, which is a five-day oral medicine package meant to last through the patient’s prescription.  However, Z-Paks have been linked to the most cardiac deaths of any azithromycin product.

For years, Z-Pak has been prescribed to treat common bacterial infections including strep throat, inner ear infections, pneumonia, and bronchitis. Compared to other antibiotics, Zithromax only requires the patients to stay on the medication for five days instead of the standard 10-day period, making it particularly popular with parents of sick children.  However, many experts state that this popularity led to the epidemic of over-prescribing, which exposed many patients to unnecessary risks.

Essentially, due to how commonly the drug was being prescribed, patients who did not need Zithromax were prescribed the medication, and were then unnecessarily exposed to the side effects that came along with it.  Several studies have been conducted, observing the side effects of azithromycin, particularly the cardiac complications that had been discovered.  One of these studies was published in the New England Journal of Medicine, and compared the risk of cardiovascular side effects of azithromycin to the cardiac complications of other antibiotics, and to patients who took no antibiotics.

Azithromycin users who took a five-day course showed an increased risk of cardiovascular death compared to those who took amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and to the patients who took no antibiotics.  The study found 47 cardiovascular deaths out of one million Z-Pak courses; this number came from patients who had no history of cardiac complications.  An estimated 245 deaths out of one million come from those who did have a history of cardiac complications.

After the results of this study were revealed, the FDA issued a public warning regarding the cardiac complications associated with Zithromax.

“The study reported an increase in cardiovascular deaths and in the risk of death from any cause, in persons treated with a 5-day course of Zithromax (Azithromycin) compared to persons treated with amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, or no drug. The risks of cardiovascular death associated with levofloxacin treatment were similar to those associated with azithromycin treatment,” the FDA warning stated.

The FDA advised that patients who had preexisting heart conditions or low potassium or magnesium levels, ask for alternative medications, as they were at higher risk.  Doctors were also encouraged to consider alternative medicines before prescribing Zithromax, as the risk might outweigh the benefit to the patient.

Overview of Zithromax Cardiac Complications

Azithromycin has been available on the United States market for decades, in order treat a variety of bacterial infections.  It is manufactured and marketed by Pfizer Inc., and reaches millions in sales every year.

However, Pfizer is currently under scrutiny for several of its high-selling products, including Lipitor and Zithromax.  Allegedly, the company failed to adequately warn customers of Zithromax side effects.

File a Zithromax Lawsuit Today

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 with no out-of-pocket expenses or hidden fees.  The Zithromax attorneys working this investigation do not get paid until you do.