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Z-Pak: America’s Favorite Antibiotic Despite Severe Side Effects
By Andrea Gressman
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It seems that the end of 2012 and the beginning of 2013 brought on a particularly difficult cold and flu season across the nation. As a result, Z-Pak, a popular antibiotic, was given out as a prescription to countless Americans even though Zithromax is not designed to treat the common cold or flu. Despite its growing popularity there is still a great deal of controversy involving Zithromax that continues to be ignored by many in the medical community, the media, as well as the general population. The controversy at hand is that Zithromax has been linked to severe and potentially life-threatening side effects.
Zithromax, also known as Z-Pak or azithromycin, has a variety of uses when it comes to treating bacterial infections. However, there is a great deal of misuse with the antibiotic. Patients generally do not realize that Z-Pak was not designed to treat certain ailments, yet request the antibiotic anyway and many physicians oblige. Due to this misuse there are many people unnecessarily exposed to the severe side effects that Zithromax has been linked to.
Zithromax is classified as a macrolide-type antibiotic and it becomes effective by halting the growth of bacteria. As mentioned above, it is important to note that this medication will not work for viral infections like the common cold or flu. However, Zithromax is frequently used to treat the following:
- Bronchitis
- Laryngitis
- Otitis media (middle ear infection)
- Pneumonia
- Sinusitis caused by susceptible bacteria.
- Sexually transmitted infectious diseases (STDs) such as nongonococcal urethritis and cervicitis
- Tonsillitis
There have been many reports of Zithromax users experiencing severe side effects and one such side effect is an allergic reaction called Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS). This is a very serious condition and patients should seek medical attention right away if they experience the following side effects:
- Blisters
- Burning of the eyes
- Difficulty breathing
- Fever
- Hives
- Peeling of the skin
- Skin pain
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Rash that is purple or red in color
Other very serious side effects that require immediate medical attention include the following:
- Chest pain
- Clay-colored stools
- Dark urine
- Diarrhea that is watery or bloody
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Low fever
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Uneven heartbeats
There are also side effects that are less serious in nature than the ones listed above but still warrant the patient notifying their medical care provider:
- Constipation
- Decreased sense of taste or smell
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Mild itching or skin rash
- Mild nausea
- Nervous feeling
- Problems with hearing
- Ringing in your ears
- Sleep problems (insomnia)
- Stomach pain
- Tired feeling
- Vaginal itching or discharge
- Vomiting
Many of these Zithromax side effects are very serious. Not only has Zithromax and Z-Pak been linked to Stevens Johnson Syndrome, but it has also been linked to a very serious heart condition that can lead to a heart attack and in many cases death. There are many Zithromax side effect victims that have opted to file lawsuits in order to receive compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering caused by this antibiotic.
If you too have experienced severe Zithromax side effects and would like to know more about filing your own Zithromax lawsuit, contact a qualified Zithromax lawsuit attorney right away. Visit the Zithromax Class Action Lawsuit Settlement Investigation page today. Provide your information and you will receive a free legal review from an experienced Zithromax lawsuit attorney.
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Updated February 14th, 2013
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