Dr. Mercola Discusses Dangers of Zithromax Z-Pak Side Effects

The antibiotic Zithromax is prescribed to patients of all ages for everything from pneumonia to ear infections. Most doctors depend on the warnings from drug makers when making a choice, and some were not aware of the research, literature and numerous studies linking Zithromax to cardiac side effects such as heart attack and sudden cardiac death. 

Dr. Mercola has been dishing up his expert advice since 1997 and makes it a point to keep up on this kind of literature in the hopes that he can help prevent needless pain, suffering and death. Most recently, he blogged about the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finally updating the warning labels on Zithromax to warn about the increased risk of fatal heart rhythms associated with the antibiotic – something he warned his readers about last year.

“I’ve discussed the dangers of Zithromax before, most recently in December last year, and warned of potential dangers of Januvia all the way back in 2006…I also published a strong warning against this class of drugs last year,” Dr. Mercola says. 

“In each case, I presented the evidence against the drugs long before any warnings were issued by the FDA, or action was taken to remove the dangerous drugs from the market,” he continues. “Hopefully, you or someone you love will not be one of the victims.” 

Unfortunately, for many Zithromax heart attack victims, it’s already too late. In general, many physicians agree that all antibiotics are overprescribed. You might take Z-Pak for bronchitis and end up in the hospital with cardiac arrest.

What does Dr. Mercola think about antibiotics, including Z-Pak? Antibiotics “should be reserved for serious infections. It’s widely overused, which is troubling for several reasons,” he says. He’s very concerned that Zithromax’s big marketing ploy is that it’s only taken for five days (most antibiotics require 10 days of use). 

“But therein lies the problem. Overuse of potent antibiotics drives the rapid rise in antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and renders the drug useless for more serious infections.” On top of that, Zithromax Z-Pak risks like heart arrhythmia further exacerbate the problem, and Dr. Mercola is concerned that patients unknowingly risk their lives to treat a sore throat.

He cites one particular study in the New England Journal of Medicine which “found that (Zithromax) increases your chances of dying from a cardiovascular event by 250 percent within the first five days of usage…when researchers looked at people who already had heart problems, their risk of dying while on this drug was even higher.” 

He goes on to say that the risk of Zithromax cardiovascular death is in some cases extremely high, but other issues can involve skin rashes, itching, severe diarrhea, and a severe allergic reaction. Dr. Mercola recommends reconsidering the benefits, and maybe even discussing alternatives with a doctor.

“Remember, antibiotics should only be taken when absolutely necessary,” he says. “Many are quick to ask for an antibiotic, even in cases where antibiotics are useless, such as for viral infections.” 

He agrees that Z-Pak can be very effective, but if you already have heart issues, watch out. Heart attack symptoms can vary greatly, and some patients don’t even realize they’ve had cardiac arrest until it’s too late.

Did You Suffer Z-Pak Side Effects? 

Were you prescribed Zithromax Z-Pak and suffered complications? If so, you might have a Zithromax legal claim. Learn more about your options and receive a free case review at the Zithromax, Z-Pak, Azithromycin Heart Attack, Stevens Johnson Syndrome & Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Class Action Lawsuit Settlement & Investigation.