Pfizer’s Popular Drug Zithromax under FDA Scrutiny

In May 2012, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it was launching an investigation into one of Pfizer’s most widely prescribed medications, Zithromax (azithromycin). Zithromax is an oral antibiotic, most popularly sold in a package called a Zpak.

The FDA’s investigation was initiated following a study conducted at Vanderbilt University’s School of Medicine that was later published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The researchers observed the medical records of 540,000 Medicaid patients who age range from ages 30-74. The study, which lasted from 1992 to 2006, looked at the correlation between cardiac complications patients may have suffered while taking Zithromax and other antibiotics, and compared the number of times the cardiac complications occurred in patients.

The results of the study showed that patients who took Zithromax experienced a greater rate of sudden cardiac death when compared to patients who took other antibiotics. The patients who were also suffering from heart conditions, diabetes, a previous heart attack, bypass surgery and cardiac stents were more likely to suffer such Zithromax side effects. The end result showed that patients who took Zithromax were 2.5 times more likely to experience death and cardiac complications when compared to patients who took other antibiotics.

Despite this scientific evidence, Pfizer did not update Zithromax’s warning label until this year. While the update is helpful, it has come too little too late for many patients who suffered from Zithromax cardiac complications. As a result, a growing number of patients are filing Zithromax lawsuits, claiming that Pfizer failed to provide adequate warning about the drug’s risks. They are accusing the drug maker of negligence, false advertising, misrepresenting a product and false advertising.

From this study, the FDA stated that Zithromax may possibly cause fatal cardiac complications, and the chances will increase if the patient has a preexisting condition. As of now, Zithromax is one of the most popular antibiotics in America, being prescribed to treat a variety of conditions. These conditions can include general bacterial infections including respiratory problems, skin infections, ear infections, and sexually transmitted diseases. Many medical and legal experts attribute Zithromax’s popularity to its short-term commitment prescription. Compared to the standard 10 days that most antibiotics require in their prescription, Zithromax only requires five. This shortened dose schedule makes Zithromax highly popular for adults and children alike.

File a Zithromax Lawsuit Today

If you believe that you or a loved one have been the victim of a Zithromax cardiac complication, you have legal options. Please visit the Zithromax, Z-Pak, Azithromycin Heart Attack, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome & Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Class Action Lawsuit Settlement & Investigation. There, you can submit your claim for a free legal review and if it qualifies for legal action, a seasoned 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.