Zithromax Liver Damage Connection Being Examined

Zithromax, the best-selling antibiotic in America, has become a hot topic in the legal and pharmaceutical world.  One the primary complications concerning this drug is the possible correlation of Zithromax-use with liver failure.

At the very least, many people have reported suffering severe liver damage in conjunction from taking Zithromax.  At this time, experts are unsure of why this might be occurring, other than that some patients may not be able to properly filter the drug through their liver.

Numerous theories exist on the subject, but none have been conclusively proven.  This possible correlation has been observed numerous times in patients.  For example, in a recently publicized medical assessment, a 33-year-old woman was observed for her development of jaundice after taking Zithromax.  The physicians reported the possible correlation between Zithromax and this occurrence, noting it was an established side effect of the medicine, but also pointing out that these symptoms often indicated liver damage or failure.

According to the medical report, the woman had shown the common signs of jaundice through the yellowing of her eyes and skin; she had no history hepatitis or chronic alcoholism.  While an ultrasound ruled out “obstructive jaundice,” meaning the jaundice was not causing immediate damage, the patient’s physiological state still showed signs of liver damage.  Once the physicians reviewed her recent medical history, they had discovered she had been prescribed Zithromax (Azithromycin), and she had stopped taking it three days before developing this condition.

>>Zithromax Lawsuits Filed Over Side Effects

The assessment points out that the woman’s reaction to the medication is rare, and that there have been only a handful of confirmed cases of Zithromax-induced jaundice.  Additionally, there could have been other possible factors, such as sudden change in the woman’s diet, which might have led to the reaction.  Regardless of the cause, the doctors quickly treated her with cholestyramine and six courses of plasmapheresis, which resulted in curing her condition.

Jaundice is characterized by a yellowish pigmentation of the skin and the whites of the eyes, and having increased bilirubin in the blood.  The yellow coloration is caused by the increased levels of bilirubin in the blood, causing the yellowish color. The condition is often seen in liver disease, liver cancer or hepatitis.  This condition may also occur from obstruction in the biliary tract, by gallstone or pancreatic cancer, for example.

For most cases of drug-induced liver damage, many experts have theorized that the cause of the adverse reactions lies with the patient’s metabolic reaction to the medication, as well as the patient’s immunity to drug reactions in general.  Medical experts generally agree that if patients are experiencing any adverse reactions to their medications, they should consult their physicians immediately.

Just as importantly, adverse reactions need to be adequately mentioned and explained on drug labels to prevent unnecessary patient injury.  This is especially prevalent in popular drugs, like Zithromax.

Overview of Zithromax Liver Complications

Zithromax was first approved by the FDA in 1991, to be used as an antibiotic.  It is manufactured by Pfizer, and is the most popular antibiotic in the United States, generating more than $450 million in 2011 alone.  Most marketing experts agree that the drug’s popularity stems from the fact that the drug’s prescription period is significantly shorter compared to other antibiotics; five days compared to 10.  While most experts do not argue that the medication is efficient in its purpose, many agree that the drug may carry some significant risks.

In testament to this worry, the FDA released a statement in January 2011, regarding an update that would come to Zithromax’s warning label.  This new warning focused on potential liver damage, after a study allegedly linked to several serious side effects indicating liver failure, including elevated liver enzymes, jaundice and liver damage.

File a Zithromax Lawsuit Today

If you believe that you or a loved one have been the victim of a Zithromax cardiac complication, you have legal options.  Please visit the Zithromax Lawsuit: Z-Pak Zithromax Azithromycin Heart Attack Class Action Lawsuit Settlement Investigation.  There, you can submit your claim for a free legal review and if it qualifies for legal action, a seasoned Zithromax lawyer will contact you for a free, no-obligation consultation.  You will be guided through the litigation process at no out-of-pocket expenses or hidden fees.  The Zithromax attorneys working this investigation do not get paid until you do. Submit your information now for a free legal review:

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