Pfizer Responds to Zithromax Criticism

“Patient safety is of the utmost importance to Pfizer and we continuously monitor the safety and efficacy of our products to ensure that the benefits and risks are accurately described in the product label, as approved by the FDA.”

Pfizer, in collaboration with the Food and Drug Administration, has updated the Zithromax (azithromycin) label with regards to a specific, rare heart rhythm abnormality in patients with risk factors such as QT interval prolongation, low blood levels of potassium or magnesium, a slower than normal heart rate, or use of certain drugs used to treat abnormal heart rhythms (“arrhythmias”).

It is also important to note that the majority of patients treated with Zithromax (azithromycin) are not affected by this label update. This potential risk of Zithromax heart side effects is well established in macrolide antibiotics, as well as other antibiotics, such as quinolones.

Zithromax (azithromycin) continues to be an effective treatment option for patients all over the globe suffering from many types of bacterial infections. Patients who are currently prescribed Zithromax should talk to their doctors or healthcare providers if they have questions regarding their treatment.

The study conducted at Pfizer has not been published or referenced in any scientific sources as of yet; however, the company maintains that it is in total compliance with the FDA. Numerous Zithromax lawsuits filed against the company, however, allege Pfizer mislead consumers about the risk of heart side effects from Zithromax.

Zithromax Linked to Dozens of Heart Attack Deaths

Zithromax is an antibiotic drug used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, such as bronchitis. It has been available for over 20 years, and is manufactured by Pfizer. Zithromax gained popularity by allowing patients to take fewer doses, in comparison to its competitors. Zithromax is the most commonly prescribed antibiotic in the world, with sales toppling over $450 million in sales in 2011.

In March 2013, the FDA issued a warning for Zithromax, because of the results published in a study conducted by the New England Journal of Medicine. The warning stated that Zithromax was found to cause irregular heart rhythms in patients, a condition which could potential lead to fatal results. Furthermore, the warning stated that Zithromax could also alter the heart’s natural electrical activity. This could lead to the cardiovascular condition known as prolonged QT interval, which causes irregular contractions in the heart.

The study referenced was published in May 2012 in the New England Journal of Medicine. The study indicated there were 47 extra cardiovascular deaths per one million courses of Zithromax. At least 55.3 million courses are prescribed a year. This means that approximately 2,600 people might suffer cardiac death a year while taking Zithromax.

Pfizer is the world’s largest research-based pharmaceutical company, and has been involved in thousands of lawsuits over the years. In 2009, Pfizer agreed to pay $2.3 billion dollars to settle civil and criminal allegations that it had illegally marketed four drugs, with the intent of defrauding or misleading the public.

If you believe that you or a loved one has been the victim of a Zithromax cardiovascular injury, you have legal options. Please visit the Zithromax, Z-Pak, Azithromycin Class Action Lawsuit Investigation. There, you can submit your claim for a free legal review and if it qualifies for legal action, a skilled Zithromax lawyer will contact you for a free, no-obligation consultation. You will be guided through the litigation process at no out-of-pocket expenses or hidden fees. The Zithromax attorneys working this investigation do not get paid until you do.