Zithromax, a popular antibiotic, has been linked to an increased risk of severe side effects like liver damage, causing some patients to require a liver transplant.

A growing number of patients who have been forced to undergo a liver transplant after using Zithromax are filing Zithromax lawsuits.

Background of Zithromax

Zithromax (generic name azithromycin) is also marketed as Z-Pak or Zmax, and is manufactured by pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, Inc. Zithromax is used to treat a number of bacterial infections, including bronchitis, pneumonia, skin and ear infections and sexually transmitted infections.

Zithromax is one of a class of drugs known as macrolide antibiotics, which works to battle bacterial infections by stopping bacteria from creating proteins.

After its introduction to the market in 1992, Zithromax quickly rose to be one of the more popular medications for treating bacterial infections. Part of the drug’s popularity can be attributed to the fact that a single dose of Zithromax is considerably more potent than other common antibiotics.

Though its potency contributes to the drug’s effectiveness, it may also increase the risk of liver damage side effects. Zithromax is filtered through a patient’s liver as it passes through the body, and can build up or accumulate here.

Liver damage is irreversible, and patients can only hope to prevent the damage from getting worse.

Recognizing the symptoms of Zithromax liver damage is essential for those who are taking Zithromax. Symptoms of liver damage include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Clay-colored stools
• Dark urine
• Skin discoloration

For some patients, these side effects were so severe that they had to undergo a liver transplant.

Zithromax May Lead to Liver Transplant

Unfortunately, organ transplants are often difficult. Lists of patients waiting for organs can be extremely long, and there are not nearly enough organ donations to meet the demand. Even patients who do receive organ donations are not in the clear.

In some cases, organ transplants may fail, and others can have serious risks.

Zithromax and the FDA

Zithromax was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1992. While the FDA has only recently required that Zithromax labels be updated to include the potential of these serious side effects, reports indicate that Pfizer was aware of Zithromax liver damage as early as 1998.

Zithromax Lawsuits

A growing number of Zithromax patients are filing lawsuits against Pfizer, alleging that the antibiotic comes with serious liver damage risks, as well as the potential need for a liver transplant.

Lawsuits claim that Pfizer has been aware of these risks for years, but has failed to adequately warn the public and the medical community.

Had patients been aware of the serious liver damage risk linked with Zithromax, they could have chosen a safer alternative, according to lawsuits.

If you or someone you love has suffered from liver damage or needed a liver transplant after using Zithromax, you may be able to file a lawsuit against Pfizer, Inc. Filing a lawsuit cannot take away side effects or damage, but it can help with managing the costs of medical bills and lost wages.