Zithromax, widely known as a Z-Pak or azithromycin, is a powerful antibiotic manufactured by pharmaceutical giant Pfizer.

During the past few years, several complaints and studies have indicated that Zithromax side effects include a dangerous and potentially fatal risk of liver failure and kidney damage.

These Zithromax liver damage and failure side effects have been reported as early as 1996. However, the drug’s manufacturer Pfizer allegedly waited more than four years to warn the public of these severe side effects.

About Zithromax

First approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1992, Zithromax 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 treatment of some sexually transmitted diseases and middle-ear infections in children.

The drug works by decreasing bacteria’s ability to make protein and affecting peptide activity, thus stopping bacteria from continuing to live and cause infection in the body.

Zithromax is available in either tablet form or as a liquid suspension and is licensed for use in both adults and children. It’s popular due to the relatively short dosage cycle and the powerful results it produces.

Zithromax Liver Damage

Zithromax’s potency is considerably higher when compared to other traditional oral antibiotics. However, it is this potency that can cause severe liver damage when the body processes the drug.

Because Zithromax is metabolized and processed in the liver, patients with liver problems or abnormal liver function may be at risk of serious problems from the drug.

Hepatotoxicity (toxic liver disease) and hepatitis have been reported in patients taking Zithromax, occasionally resulting in death.  A 2013 study, published in the National Library of Health Medicine show a 1-2% increased risk of toxic liver disease in Zithromax users.

In January 2011, the FDA updated Zithromax’s warning label to include the risk of liver failure, which has resulted in the death of some patients. However, many of the current Zithromax lawsuits claim that Pfizer was aware of the risk to the liver as early as 1998 but said nothing.

Zithromax Liver damage symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Clay-colored stools
• Severe fatigue
• Jaundice (yellowish color in the skin or eyes)
• Dark urine
• Abnormal or elevated liver enzymes

Patients who show signs of abnormal liver function while taking Zithromax are urged to discontinue use.

Zithromax Kidney Failure

Lawsuits also allege that Zithromax may cause rare but dangerous side effects in the kidneys, such as kidney infections, kidney damage and even kidney failure. Zithromax kidney 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

Zithromax Lawsuits

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

Someone who has been injured by this drug may have a valid Zithromax lawsuit. Drug manufacturers have a duty to design a reasonably safe medicine as well as provide adequate warnings.

If you or a loved one has liver or kidney damage, then you may not have been adequately warned about Zithromax complications.