Pfizer’s popular antibiotic Zithromax (azithromycin) is under fire for allegedly increasing the risk of liver failure. Recent reports have linked Zithromax to side effects including liver damage so severe that patients may need liver transplant surgery. In extreme cases, the Zithromax liver damage has allegedly resulted in death.

Zithromax is a popular antibiotic used to treat different types of bacterial infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, tonsillitis, skin infections, ear infections, and sexually transmitted diseases. The antibiotic, also referred to as Z-Pak and Zmax, is in a class of drugs known as macrolide antibiotics. Like all macrolide antibiotics, Zithromax prevents the spread of bacteria by interfering with their ability to make proteins.

The FDA approved Zithromax in 1992. There are reports that Pfizer knew about potential Zithromax liver damage as early as 1996, soon after the drug’s release, but did not note the danger until the FDA required an updated warning label four years later.

In 2001, the FDA required the company to update Zithromax’s label. The drug’s label has recently started carrying a warning regarding abnormal liver function, jaundice, necrosis, liver failure, and even death.

Zithromax and Liver Failure

Zithromax’s appeal lies in the fact that it can deliver continual levels of the antibiotic to infected areas. This means patients can take just one pill a day for as few as 3 days, rather than the standard 10-day, 3-pill-a-day regimen common with most other oral antibiotics.

But because Zithromax is so potent, and because Zmax is filtered out of the body by the liver, the risk of serious Zithromax liver damage is increased. The drug accumulates in the liver before being filtered out, potentially causing severe liver damage.

Despite its dangerous side effects, Zithromax is still a popular antibiotic. According to Pfizer, Zithromax is the top-selling antibiotic in its class, and the second most popular antibiotic in the world. Unfortunately, Zithromax liver failure is very serious. It cannot be cured, although symptoms can be managed if patients stop taking Zithromax soon enough. In extreme cases, patients may require a liver transplant.

Symptoms of liver damage from Zithromax include:

• Abdominal pain
• Severe fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Clay-colored stools
• Dark urine
• Skin discoloration
• Elevated or abnormal liver enzymes
• Yellow eyes
• Jaundice

Zithromax Liver Failure Lawsuits

Patients or families of patients injured by this drug may have a claim against Pfizer for failing to adequately warn consumers about the dangers of Zithromax. If you or a loved one has suffered liver damage or liver failure, then you may be able to bring a Zithromax lawsuit against the pharmaceutical company.