How Likely are You to Die from Zithromax Side Effects?

News spread like wildfire when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) decided to update warning labels for the popular antibiotic Zithromax to include an increase in the risk of heart arrhythmia and sudden death. However, the question quickly became, “Just how dangerous is Zithromax?” 

Zithromax is prescribed to people of all ages to treat a wide variety of illnesses. But just how safe is Z-Pak, and how likely are you to suffer Zithromax cardiac side effects compared to other antibiotics?

According to the article “Azithromycin and the Risk of Cardiovascular Death,” published in The New England Journal of Medicine by Dr. Wayne Ray, those who take Z-Pak are three times more likely to suffer a cardiovascular-related death compared to people who don’t take it, or choose another antibiotic. If you choose amoxicillin, Z-Pak is 2.5 times more likely to cause a heart-related death. 

According to the authors of the article, the risk of a heart attack death from Zithromax is low. But the main issue with Z-Pak is that, according to critics, the warnings of cardiovascular death weren’t there until recently so patients didn’t have a choice when handling their own welfare.

The FDA only recently required the makers of Zithromax to update warning labels in 2013. Since it’s been available for many years, that means a number of people may have experienced heart problems or even a fatal heart attack caused by Z-Pak and are unaware of the source. Those who were already at a higher risk of heart problems are more likely to suffer when taking the antibiotic. However, that doesn’t mean people with a seemingly healthy heart are immune. Each individual case is different. If you were already likely to suffer a heart attack, taking Z-Pak can make your odds three times worse. If you weren’t, your odds may still increase three fold. 

Symptoms of a Heart Attack

Whether a person takes Z-Pak or not, it’s important to know the warning signs of a heart attack because they are many — and are often exaggerated in the media. In movies and on TV shows, it’s obvious when someone is having a heart attack: they fall over, clutching their chest, and that can very well be how a heart attack plays out in real life. However, often times heart attack symptoms are subtle and people may not even realize they’ve had a heart attack. Pain in the chest is certainly a symptom, but the pain can be minor and feel more like pressure.

Nausea, indigestion and even heart burn are subtler symptoms of a Zithromax heart attack. People may also experience weakness, anxiety, shortness of breath and a rapid heartbeat. Some victims experience many of these symptoms, while others experience only one or two. A loss of appetite, feeling tired and coughing are also lesser-known signs of a heart attack. Listening to gut instincts, especially when taking Z-Pak, is crucial.

Did Zithromax Cause Your Heart Problems?  

If you’re like many Americans, you’ve probably taken some kind of antibiotics in the past few years. If it was Zithromax and you suffered heart problems, you may have a Zithromax legal claim. Learn more about your options at the Zithromax, Z-Pak, Azithromycin Heart Attack, Stevens Johnson Syndrome & Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Class Action Lawsuit Settlement & Investigation. After submitting your information, an attorney will contact you for a free Z-Pak claim review if you qualify.