Zithromax Linked to Fatal Heart Rhythm
By Anne Bucher
Zithromax (azithromycin) is a popular antibiotic that is used to treat a variety of infections, including pneumonia, sexually transmitted diseases and ear infections. However, the drug has come under scrutiny recently after several studies linked azithromycin to causing heart problems and sudden cardiac death in some patients.
Zithromax Linked to Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Death
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine on May 17, 2012 found that patients treated with a 5-day course of Zithromax experienced a small increase in cardiovascular deaths when compared to patients treated with other available antibiotics or no drug at all. This risk was greatest in patients who had an existing risk of cardiovascular disease. Following this study, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced that the agency would investigate the safety of Zithromax.
In March, the FDA warned the public that Zithromax can contribute to potentially fatal heart rhythms. The agency claims that Zithromax can change the heart’s electrical activity, causing a potentially fatal irregular heart rhythm. This rhythm is known as the prolonged QT interval. Patients with existing heart conditions are at the highest risk of suffering adverse Zithromax heart side effects.
Patients who have existing QT interval prolongation, slower than normal heart rate, low levels of magnesium or potassium in the blood or who are currently on heart medications are at heightened risk of developing the fatal heart rhythm. Despite these health risks, Pfizer has insisted that the updated drug label will not affect the majority of Zithromax users.
History of Zithromax
Zithromax was first approved for use in 1991. The pediatric formula was approved in 1995. The makers of Zithromax aggressively marketed the product to parents and pediatricians, claiming that the drug was a better option for treating children’s ear infections than the other antibiotics on the market. Because Zithromax requires only a five-day antibiotic course of treatment, many patients and doctors preferred it over other available antibiotics.
Pfizer, the manufacturer of Zithromax, is one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies. Pfizer has been a pioneer in direct-to-consumer marketing. As a result, the company has seen billions of dollars in drug sales. In 2011, Zithromax sales surpassed $450 million. Critics have complained that the aggressive marketing of antibiotics is creating a public health threat. Health officials are concerned that antibiotics have been overprescribed, contributing to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. A growing number of people are filing Zithromax lawsuits, claiming that Pfizer was more interested in the sales of their product than in the health of consumers.
Take Legal Action
If you have suffered serious Zithromax side effects, you are not alone. Many people who have suffered cardiovascular problems while taking Zithromax are taking a stand against Pfizer. They are filing Zithromax injury lawsuits, claiming that Pfizer failed to adequately warn them about the potential risks associated with the drug. They are seeking compensatory and punitive damages against the company.
Visit the Zithromax, Z-Pak, Azithromycin Heart Attack, Stevens Johnson Syndrome & Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Class Action Lawsuit Settlement & Investigation for more information. You may be able to receive compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages and emotional distress that you experienced as a result of your Zithromax side effects. If someone you love died suddenly from a heart-related death after taking Zithromax, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. Contact a Zithromax lawyer for more information.
Updated April 18th, 2013
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