Zithromax, a popular antibiotic, has been connected with both kidney and liver side effects, sparking a series of lawsuits.

Zithromax (azithromycin) is also marketed as Z-Pak and Zmax and is manufactured by pharmaceutical giant Pfizer Inc. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1991 to treat bacterial infections.

Zithromax has been approved to treat both adults and children.  Zithromax is still one of the most widely prescribed antibiotics.

In 2001, Pfizer updated its Zithromax label. The update included information about the antibiotic’s potential to cause liver damage.

Zithromax is a strong antibiotic, which contributes to its popularity and effectiveness, but it does have its issues. Zithromax is eliminated from the body through the liver, which increases the potential for liver complications such as liver damage or failure.

Reports associating Zithromax with liver damage have been received by Pfizer since 1996, and many of these reports indicated that these complications were severe including death.

Eventually, the FDA made Pfizer warn the public about these Zithromax side effects, and the company responded in 2001 by adding to its label warnings. These warnings included abnormal liver function, jaundice, necrosis, hepatic failure, and death.

Zithromax Liver Damage

Zithromax liver damage when unnoticed or left untreated for an extended period of time, Zithromax side effects can cause enough liver damage that the liver actually fails. In these cases, a patient must undergo a liver transplant.

As any patient waiting for organ donations knows, organ transplants are difficult to come by. Donations do not always come through in time for the patients that need them. Even if a patient does receive a donation, the transplant itself comes with serious risks.

Zithromax side effects such as liver damage can usually be managed. That means being aware of the symptoms in order to get medical help early enough.

Zithromax liver damage symptoms include:

• Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Severe fatigue
• Dark urine
• Elevated liver enzyme levels

Zithromax Kidney Damage

Zithromax kidney complications have also been reported as side effects. Kidney damage is a more rare side effect of the medication, but is also dangerous.

Various patients claim the antibiotic has caused kidney infections, kidney damages, and even kidney failure.

These Zithromax kidney failure symptoms include:

• Metallic taste in the mouth/ammonia breath
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Changes in urination
• Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, face, and/or hands
• fatigue
• Skin rash/itching
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Feeling cold
• Leg pain

Zithromax Lawsuits

Plaintiffs who file Zithromax lawsuits against Pfizer claim the pharmaceutical company and other manufacturers have a legal responsibility to warn about of the potential risks associated with their products.

These plaintiffs allege that Pfizer did not adequately disclose the risks, minimizing and omitting the severe and dangerous Zithromax side effects.

If you or someone you know has been affected by liver damage or kidney damage after using Zithromax, you may be able to file a lawsuit individually, or join a class action lawsuit.