Drug Maker: Alternative to Zithromax Doesn’t Carry Heart Side Effects
By John Curran
The area around Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, is known as the “Research Triangle” and a pharmaceutical company there says it has an alternative antibiotic currently in trial that would not carry the same heart failure side effects that have been linked to azithromycin-based antibiotics, although that has not been conclusively proven.
Drug maker Cempra responded to concerns following the FDA’s recent update of the heart side effects that Pfizer’s popular antibiotics Zithromax, Z-Pak and Zmax can cause. There are numerous heart problems that have been reported as Zithromax side effects, but the Cempra drug solithromycin reportedly does not have a similar profile, the Raleigh company says.
That would be good news because Z-Pak heart arrhythmia side effects are not the only cardiac risks that people with bacterial infections face. The antibiotics have also been linked to heart attacks and liver problems. Perhaps the most frightening of these potential Zithromax side effects is Stevens Johnson Syndrome, which is a severe allergic reaction that can sometimes be fatal.
Still, the fact that the FDA is updating warnings about Z-Pak heart side effects is a sign that patients need to discuss this with their doctor, especially if there is a family history of cardiac problems. And while Cempra says that their drug is safer, the entire class of drugs may cause problems, according to the federal agency.
In any case, there are dozens of antibiotics that can be used to treat a number of infections outside of those marketed by Pfizer Pharmaceutical. All carry some risk of problems similar to Zithromax Stevens Johnson Syndrome side effects, but others have not been linked to as many reports of heart problems. In addition, patients can minimize potential side effects by only taking antibiotics if they have a bacterial infection, as antibiotics do not work on the flu or the common cold.
Unfortunately, many people may not have been aware of these problems before they took azithromycin, and they should consider consulting a Z-Pak lawsuit attorney. A free review with one is available at the Zithromax, Z-Pak, Azithromycin Class Action Lawsuit Settlement Investigation. If your claim or that of someone you know is eligible, a case could result in a jury award or settlement to help pay for treatment costs, lost wages and any other necessities. Start now and learn what your legal options are and contact a Z-Pak lawsuit attorney.
Updated March 21st, 2013
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