Warnings of Zithromax Cardiac Death Spread Across the Border

The updated Zithromax warning was offset by an extremely comprehensive study conducted by Vanderbilt University last year. Vanderbilt researchers analyzed the health records and data from 540,000 Tennessee Medicaid patients who had been prescribed a variety of antibiotics over a 14-year period from 1992 to 2006. The researchers concluded that there was a significant increase of heart-related deaths from patients who had used Zithromax (azithromycin), compared with amoxicillin. The study concluded that the patients at the highest risk for these Zithromax side effects were patients with already existing heart problems.

Zithromax is a top-selling antibiotic, manufactured by Pfizer, and is reported to be more expensive than competing medications. However, it has been argued that it is more effective than competing medications as well. Despite how well it sells, there have been various reports of dangerous Zithromax side effects such as Steven Johnson Syndrome and sudden cardiac death. Zithromax belongs to an antibacterial drug class called macrolides, which have been infamously associated with negative cardiovascular side effects, especially prolongation of the QT interval.

In a recent study, the New England Journal of Medicine compiled results from an extensive study they had conducted from approximately 350,000 patients who were treated with Zithromax over a 15-year period. The study concluded that these patients were 1.5x more likely to suffer cardiovascular sudden death than compared to other patients using different antibiotics.

FDA officials said they have been made aware of the study’s results, and have launched their own investigation into the matter. The FDA also said that as they conduct their inquiry, they will inform health care professionals and consumers about the results of their study after it is complete. As of 2012, Zithromax’s label was updated to include the potential risk of a heart condition called QT interval prolongation.

The FDA recommends that patients who are taking Zithromax should be aware of which class of antibiotics they belong to, the macrolides, and should be aware of their reputation of causing potential for QT interval prolongation and heart arrhythmia when taking them.

Currently, plaintiffs from all over the country are suing Pfizer for wrongful deaths from sudden cardiac deaths and life-threatening conditions from Steven Johnson Syndrome. Many of the plaintiffs accuse the company of negligence in its failure to properly label the drug and failing to warn the general public and healthcare professionals of the drug’s potential side effects.

If you believe that you or a loved one has been the victim of a Zithromax cardiac injury or other serious side effect, 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 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.