FDA Review of Zithromax Uncovers Dangerous Heart Side Effects
By Mike Holter
Zithromax, also referred to a Z-Pak or even Zmax, is a very popular antibiotic. However, it also has a significant side effect risk of causing sudden cardiovascular death. Individuals who have used Zithromax have experienced a number of potentially deadly cardiovascular side effects including:
Heart Arrhythmia
Heart Attack
Cardiovascular Death
Torsades De Pointes
It has been reported that thousands of Zithromax and Z-Pak patients have suffered from these terrible heart-related side effects and many of them have resulted in a wrongful death. Many Zithromax lawsuits have been filed on behalf of the Zithromax side effect victims charging that the drug manufacturer had an obligation to properly research the potential side effect risk associated with Zithromax and Z-Pak and that they failed to do so.
In May of 2012, the FDA actually stepped in and made the announcement that they were reviewing the potential side effects of Zithromax — specifically the deaths associated with heart complications. This investigation was a result of a study that showed users of Zithromax faced an increased side effect risk in as little as the first 5 days of taking the medication, which was obviously of some concern to the FDA.
The Zithromax heart attack study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine and according to researchers from Vanderbilt University, Zithromax users were 2.5 times more at risk to die from heart problems that from those where were prescribed amoxicillin. According to the study, these heart side effect risks were as a result of the heart changing in rhythm, which included QT interval prolongation. This can then lead to torsades de points, which is a fatal heart condition.
Azithromycin, the generic version of Zithromax, was originally introduced onto the market in 1991 by Pfizer. Despite being available in generic form, Zithromax still generated over $450 million in sales for the drug company in the year 2011.
It has become apparent after a number of Zithromax lawsuits have been filed that Pfizer possibly failed to conduct and adequate amount of research on Zithromax side effects before releasing the medication and also did not provide proper warning to Zithromax patients after the side effect risks were discovered.
There have been many different Zithromax and Z-Pak lawsuits filed on behalf of the Zithromax side effect victims. Since the FDA announcement in May of 2012 this number has only increased. As a result, the number of Zithromax class actions has also increased.
If you or your family member has taken Zithromax, Z-Pak or azithromycin and developed side effects such as heart arrhythmia, heart attack, cardiovascular death, and/or torsades de pointes, you need to contact a Zithromax lawsuit attorney immediately. It is important that you know your legal rights and have the proper representation to ensure that those legal rights are protected. Visit the Zithromax, Z-Pak, Azithromycin Heart Attack, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome & Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Class Action Lawsuit Settlement & Investigation page right away to receive your free consultation from a qualified Zithromax/Z-Pak lawsuit lawyer.
Updated November 15th, 2012
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