14-Year Study Reveals Z-Pak Caused More Heart Attacks than Other Antibiotics
By Andrea Gressman
In 1992 researchers at Vanderbilt University began a study on the medication Zithromax. Zithromax, also known as azithromycin or Z-Pak, is a medication that is used in the treatment of bronchitis and other common infections. This study ran from 1992 to 2006, a 14-year study. They compared taking Zithromax with the antibiotic Amoxicillin as well as with patients who did not take any antibiotics at all.
The Vanderbilt researchers took the health records and data from millions of prescriptions for antibiotics. Nearly 540,000 of the patients evaluated were Medicaid patients from Tennessee. They had been prescribed a variety of antibiotics, including Zithromax. The results of the Zithromax side effects study were shocking. Out of the 540,000 patients that took Z-Pak’s 5-day treatment during the 14-year period, there were 29 heart-related side effect deaths. In fact, Zithromax more than doubled their side effect risk of death while taking this drug in comparison to patients who took other antibiotics such as amoxicillin.
In this Zithromax side effects study, the Vanderbilt researchers made sure that each group of people had the same side effect risks for heart trouble. The results showed that 85 of the people who took Zithromax ended up with heart problems. This compares to 32 people who took amoxicillin and 30 for those who did not take any antibiotics at all. As a result, researchers found that there would be 47 additional heart-related side effect deaths per 1 million prescriptions of treatments when Zithromax is used in comparison to when amoxicillin is used.
Interestingly enough, Zithromax is actually more expensive than a lot of other antibiotics. However, the main reason that doctors prescribe Zithromax is that a patient does not have to take the course of antibiotics as long as they have to take others. As a comparison, Zithromax is only used for 5 days typically in association to other antibiotics who are used for 10 days.
Researchers say that Zithromax is a low-risk antibiotic. But they say that people who have heart problems should not take this drug. So, after a 14-year study doctors say that more research is needed to confirm the findings. This study is in the New England Journal of Medicine and it was paid for by The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.
Zithromax/Z-Pak Side Effects
Zithromax and Z-Pak have been associated with a number of side effects, including the following:
* Heart attack
* Cardiovascular problems
* Stevens Johnson Syndrome
* Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
* Acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic pulmonary disease
* Acute bacterial sinusitis
* Community-acquired pneumonia
* Pharyngitis/tonsillitis
* Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections
* Urethritis and cervicitis
* Genital ulcer disease
* Liver Damage
Filing a Zithromax/Z-Pak Lawsuit May Be Your Only Option for Compensation
If you have taken Zithromax an experienced any of the side effect associated with Zithromax use, including liver damage, heart attack, SJS, TENS, or any other side effect, you need to know your legal options as may have the option to file a Zithromax lawsuit. Visit the Zithromax, Z-Pak, Azithromycin Heart Attack, Stevens Johnson Syndrome & Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Class Action Lawsuit Settlement & Investigation. You can receive a free legal consultation from an experienced Zithromax lawsuit attorney.
Updated December 19th, 2012
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