Consumer protection attorneys are looking into studies that suggest Zithromax causes an increased risk of developing recurring eye infections and potential blindness.

Potential lawsuits against the pharmaceutical manufacturer will likely allege that the company failed to warn consumers about serious risks of Zithromax antibiotic reactions and blindness.

What is Zithromax?

Zithromax is a popular antibiotic sold by Pfizer and prescribed by medical professionals to treat a variety of issues including bacterial infections, skin infections, some sexually transmitted diseases, ear infections and eye infections.

Zithromax is sold under many names including azithromycin (its generic name), Z-Pak and Zmax.  The antibiotic is sold in a 3 day pack and a 5 day pack.

Zithromax Side Effects

Recently several allegations have surfaced suggesting that taking Zithromax can lead to serious antibiotic reactions including liver failure, kidney failure, Stevens Johnson Syndrome and recurring eye infections that may lead to blindness.

Zithromax recurring eye infections are a troubling side effect considering the antibiotic was designed to treat eye infections.

Trachoma is a serious contagious bacterial infection of the eye and it is the leading cause of preventable blindness in the world.

In the beginning trachoma may cause itching or irritation of the eyes and eyelids and eventually leads to pus draining from the eyes and swollen eye lids. If left untreated the condition can lead to blindness.

According to the World Health Organization over 6 million people have been blinded by trachoma.

According to a study published in the Journal of American Medical Association patients who undergo surgery for treatment of trachoma are at a lower risk for developing recurring eye infections than those who take Zithromax.

The study suggests that this risk occurs because while the antibiotic may wipe out the initial infection it decreases the body’s exposure to the bacteria that causes the infection.

This means the body doesn’t have enough time for the immune system to develop a natural resistance to the bacteria which makes the body more susceptible to recurring infections.

This study was co-authored by Deborah Dean who is currently developing a vaccine for trachoma at the Oakland Children’s Hospital research institute.

Zithromax Lawsuits

Consumer protection attorneys believe that the lack of information disclosed by Pfizer to the general public about the potential side effects associated with taking Pfizer caused several consumers physical harm.

Potential lawsuits will likely allege that had the consumers known about the medication’s side effects they would have chosen an alternative treatment.

Zithromax lawsuits are brought with the hope of recovering compensation for consumers who suffered harm due to Zithromax antibiotic reactions.  Successful plaintiffs may receive compensation for their pain and suffering as well as past and future medical bills.

In some cases, a jury may award punitive damages.  This is done as a means of punishing the defendant for its wrongful behavior.

These types of lawsuits can help hold pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer accountable for their actions.  Consumers who have taken Zithromax and suffered any of the Zithromax side effects may able to bring a lawsuit against the manufacturer.