Zithromax Linked to Life-Threatening Side Effects

Recent studies have linked the antibiotic Zithromax to certain life-threatening side effects, including complications involving the heart and autoimmune reactions.

Zithromax (generic, azithromycin) is one of the most popular antibiotics on the market today because it only has to be take for five days compared to the 10 or more days for most antibiotics, and it is extremely effective.

It belongs to the macrolide family of antibiotics, a group of chemicals first identified in bacteria — in which the bacteria is used to kill other bacteria. Zithromax is a synthetic version of these naturally-occurring compounds.

Zithromaxt is able to treat a wide range of infections, including everything from strep throat to STDs. The drug’s effectiveness against a so many bacterial infections makes it a popular and widely-used antibiotic. Zithromax’s popularity has translated into billions of dollars in revenue for Pfizer Inc.

However, the drug has also been associated with potentially life-threatening side effects.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome

One of the most serious side effects associated with Zithromax is the risk of Stevens Johnson syndrome or SJS. SJS is an autoimmune reaction, a situation where the body attacks itself.

In the case of SJS, the body attacks its own skin, causing a painful rash with blisters, sores and ulcers. However, the inflammation and damage can spread to sensitive tissues like the surface of organs and the eyes. This damage can be disabling or even fatal. SJS can affect up to 30 percent of the skin.

>>Zithromax SJS Lawsuits

In the most extreme form of this dangerous skin reaction, SJS can escalate to Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis or TEN, in which 30 percent to 100 percent of the skin is affected. In TEN, patches of the skin die and slough off. The missing skin leaves wounds very similar to burns, which often require care at burn wards of hospitals across the country.

SJS has a mortality rate of five percent to 15 percent, which is much lower than TEN, which has a mortality rate of 40 percent.

Heart Attack Risk

Zithromax has also been linked to serious heart complications. Macrolides in general are linked to several life-threatening changes in the rhythm of the heart. If one of side of the heart develops an abnormal rhythm and they both try to pump at the same time, the heart muscle can seize up, causing a sudden heart attack.

>>Zithromax Heart Attack Lawsuits

While other macrolides were notorious for this risk, it was initially believed that Zithromax lacked this side effect due to its synthetic nature. However, once the drug became widely distributed, evidence began to mount that Zithromax could cause the same type of dangerous arrhythmia.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has mandated changes in the drug’s labeling stating this risk. The risk seems to be most pronounced in individuals with preexisting heart conditions.

Take Action Now

Lawsuits have been filed by patients who allegedly suffered from serious complications like SJS and heart problems from taking Zithromax. These Zithromax lawsuits allege that drug manufacturers were aware of the possible risks associated with these drugs and failed to warn patients and health care workers. The suits further allege that not only were drug manufacturers aware of these risks, but that they actively promoted the drugs, despite the risk to the general public.

If you or a loved one suffered from complications from Zithromax, you may be entitled to compensation. But you need to act quickly to avoid statutes of limitations and other time limits. Visit the Zithromax Lawsuit: Z-Pak Zithromax Azithromycin Heart Attack Class Action Lawsuit Settlement Investigation for more information. There, you can enter information about your situation for a free legal review by a trained expert with a background in this type of litigation.