Study Reveals Z-Pak Heart Arrhythmia Side Effects

A recent study using patient data from the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers from September 1999 to April 2012 supports the decision by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to approve a label change regarding the potential for the popular antibiotic Z-Pak to cause a special type of heart arrhythmia that has been linked to sudden cardiac death.

According to the research published in a recent issue of the annals of Family Medicine, doctors compared the use of Zithromax, a broad-spectrum antibiotic to amoxicillin, which is also a commonly prescribed antibiotic. The researchers found that the rates for Z-Pak heart arrhythmia side effects were more than three-quarters higher than those patients taking the amoxicillin. And the risk of death was roughly 48 percent higher for those taking Zithromax, as well.

While it is difficult to analyze the complete sales figures for the Zithromax, ZPak, and Zmax due to the number of generic manufacturers offering low-cost versions, Zithromax class action lawsuit attorneys can point to patent-holder Pfizer’s own sales figures. In 2013, the company’s U.S. sales figures were $7 million. According to earlier company records prior to generic competition, the unit price was about $11. It is not likely to increase due to the generic alternatives.

That would produce a figure of more than 630,000 prescriptions in 2013 for Pfizer alone. Based on the rates established by the researchers in the article, it would mean that up to 145 cases would result in fatalities after five days of treatment, and 260 after 10 days of treatment from heart problems caused by Zithromax side effects.

The broader implications are also of concern. In 2011, Pfizer made well over $100 million off the broad-sprectrum antibiotic. It is more likely that generic drug makers have filled up the rest of the market rather than it being reduced in size considering the medication’s popularity. With that in mind, the true number of patients who suffer from Zithromax side effects could be quite large.

Join a Zithromax Class Action Lawsuit Today

If you or someone you know have dealt with heart issues either while taking or after taking this antibiotic, you may have legal options available to you. The first step is determining whether or not you are eligible to file a complaint. You can get a case eligibility review at the Zithromax Z-Pak Azithromycin Class Action Lawsuit Settlement Investigation. Successful submissions will result in a free consultation with one of our partner Zithromax class action lawsuit attorneys.