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Pfizer’s $6 Million Zithromax Settlement
By Andrea Gressman
Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard has announced that the Consumer Protection & Advocacy Section in Tucson, in partnership with 18 other Attorneys General, has reached a settlement with Zithromax manufacturer, Pfizer. The investigation was conducted over the DTC (Direct-To-Consumer) advertising campaign that Pfizer implemented to promote their antibiotic, Zithromax (also known as Z-Pak). Zithromax is a very popular antibiotic that is used for a variety of uses, including the treatment of the young and old. One common reason Zithromax is prescribed is to treat the severe ear infections that children frequently experience referred to as pediatric acute otitis media or AOM. The investigation looked into the materials used to promote Zithromax for AOM treatment that Pfizer gave directly to the medical community.
It is not uncommon for drug manufacturers to use DTC advertising methods. It is their way of bringing awareness to the drugs they are marketing. In the case of Zithromax, Pfizer urged the parents of children suffering from ear infections to request Zithromax because of the many benefits that Zithromax could provide – specifically the fact that Zithromax is taken for a shorter period of time than other antibiotics. However, the Attorney General claims that Pfizer overstated the benefits and efficiency of Zithromax when compared to other comparable antibiotics. The Attorney General goes on to state that Pfizer only focused on the benefits of Zithromax and made no mention of the other factors that must be addressed when a doctor prescribes an antibiotic.
It has also been stated that Pfizer could not make the representation of Zithromax being more convenient due to the shortened amount of time the patient must take the antibiotic without making the following statement as well: “Your Doctor will consider many factors when choosing an antibiotic. Dosing convenience is only one of them.”
Pfizer did not provide that statement nor did they provide the following statement regarding the effectiveness of the treatment that Zithromax provides, which should state: “Antibiotic resistance is a consideration that may affect your Doctor’s choice of treatment for your child’s ear infection.”
Another statement must also be included from here on out in Pfizer’s advertisements for Zithromax: “Remember that antibiotics do not work for viral infections, such as a cold or flu, so do not insist on a prescription for an antibiotic. Only your doctor can decide what type of infection your child has and the best way to treat it.”
It is also a requirement of the Zithromax settlement that Pfizer now give $2 million in funding to public service announcements for the next three cold seasons, which take place from November to March. They will have to promote awareness that the medical community has to take in factors such as antibiotic resistance as well as others when an antibiotic is being prescribed. Pfizer also has to pay a total of $4 million in costs as well as attorney’s fees. Arizona will receive $127,273 from the agreed upon Zithromax settlement.
Pfizer has not admitted to any wrongdoing in agreeing to the Zithromax settlement.
The other states included in the Attorney General investigation include the following:
* Arkansas
* California
* Connecticut
* Florida
* Kansas
* Maryland
* Massachusetts
* New Mexico
* Nevada
* New York
* North Carolina
* Ohio
* Oregon
* Pennsylvania
* Tennessee
* Texas
* Vermont
* Wisconsin
This is just a long line of criticism that Pfizer has faced regarding Zithromax side effects. There have been a number of Zithromax lawsuits filed over Pfizer’s failure to warn consumers about the risks of Z-Pak.
If you have used Zithromax or Z-Pak and experienced negative side effects or you believe that you are the victims of Pfizer’s false or misleading advertising, you need to know your legal rights. Visit the Zithromax, Z-Pak, Azithromycin Heart Attack, Stevens Johnson Syndrome & Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Class Action Lawsuit Settlement & Investigation page today and receive your free legal review from an experienced Zithromax lawsuit attorney.
Updated January 30th, 2013
All medical device, dangerous drug and medical class action and lawsuit news updates are listed in the Drug and Medical Device section of Top Class Actions.
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