Heart Disease Patients Face Possibly Fatal Zithromax Side Effects

The scientists obtained records for more than one million people who took the azithromycin-based medication as well as those that took the generic antibiotic penicillin. They found that the numbers matched up reasonably well, with 16 people dying while on the generic and 17 people dying either from Zithromax side effects or other causes.

As one researcher noted in a National Institutes of Health report, “This study provides welcome and reassuring news regarding the cardiovascular safety of the antibiotic azithromycin in the general population.”  That does not explain the Food and Drug Administration’s warning based on studies that demonstrate Zithromax can lead to heart arrhythmia, characterized by a racing heartbeat, as well as heart attacks.

Research that the federal agency cited in updating the warnings for Zithromax and Z-Pak heart found that up to 47 people could die from Zithromax heart problems out of every 1 million dosages of this antibiotic class.  As 56 million prescriptions were written for the medication in 2011, according to a Health 24 report, that puts the potential fatality rate from Zithromax heart attacks and related problems in the thousands each year.

While the numbers have not been that high, hospitalizations could be even higher for those who already suffer from heart disease. With the updated product labeling, heart patients suffering from bacterial infections should talk with their doctor before taking Zithromax. That is especially true for those who have a family history of similar conditions, or for youngsters who may not have been diagnosed with a heart condition early on in life.

For those who may not have known of these problems and did develop heart problems, a consultation with a Zithromax lawsuit attorney can help establish what legal options are available. Get a free consultation with one at the Zithromax Z-Pak Azithromycin Class Action Lawsuit Settlement Investigation. Drug injury lawsuits are moving forward against Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, and any successful cases could net a legal remedy to pay for hospital bills and other needs. Learn more and get started with a Zithromax lawsuit attorney today.