Zithromax Allegedly Responsible for Heart Attacks and Other Illnesses

Thousands of consumers are filing Zithromax class actions lawsuits after they or their loved one experienced an unwanted side effect from consumption of this commonly prescribed antibiotic. It is estimated that 1 in 111,000 healthy patients and 1 in 4,100 high-risk patients are at risk for a sudden heart attack, which could be fatal, after consuming a full course of Zithromax.

Additionally, in some cases Zithromax can cause Stevens Johnson Syndrome, a life-threatening skin condition which causes the topmost layer of skin to deteriorate and separate from deeper layers of skin and tissue. This is especially prevalent in children who are prescribed Zithromax as an antibiotic treatment.

According to reports from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, “In 2011, approximately 40.3 million individuals in the U.S. received an outpatient prescription for the macrolide azithromycin.”

What is Zithromax?

Azithromycin, more commonly known and referred to by its brand name Zithromax or Zmax, is a popular antibiotic produced, marketed, and sold by Pfizer Inc. Zithromax is commonly prescribed by doctors to treat acute internal and external bacterial infections, pneumonia, tonsillitis, and a whole host of other health issues treated by antibiotics. Zithromax was FDA approved for general medical sale and consumption in 1996 and made Pfizer $450 million in sales during 2011 year alone.

On May 17, 2012, the FDA released a statement regarding a Zithromax study recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine, which found that patients who were treated with a five day course of Zithromax were 2.5 times more likely to die from a cardiovascular event than patients treated with alternative antibiotics or no antibiotic at all.

On March 12, 2013, the FDA released a public warning that explicitly states the dangers of using Zithromax, including “abnormal changes in the electrical activity of the heart that may lead to a potentially fatal irregular heart rhythm.” The statement goes on to advise healthcare professionals to carefully weigh the pros and cons of prescribing Zithromax and encourages doctors to prescribe an alternative antibiotic when possible, especially in cases of patients with a high risk of cardiovascular problems.

Zithromax Side Effects

The Zithromax label warns against the following potential side effects:

• chest pain, uneven heartbeats
• severe skin reaction
• mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
• stomach pain or upset
• dizziness, tired feeling, or headache
• nervous feeling, sleep problems (insomnia)
• vaginal itching or discharge
• mild itching or skin rash
• ringing in your ears, problems with hearing
• decreased sense of taste or smell.

While there is an additional notice advising patients at risk of developing heart conditions to use Zithromax with caution, Pfizer has not expressly warned against the following life-threatening side effects:

• Heart Attack
• Stevens Johnson Syndrome
• Liver Failure
• Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
• Cardiovascular Problems
• Sudden Death

Join a Free Zithromax Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you believe that you or a loved one has been the victim of a Zithromax/Z-Pak injury such as a heart attack, liver damage, or Stevens Johnson Syndrome, you have legal options. See if you qualify to join a free Zithromax class action lawsuit investigation and pursue compensation for you or your loved one’s injuries:

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