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Zithromax Linked to Hearing Loss as a Side Effect
By Andrea Gressman
Zithromax, also known as Azithromycin in its generic form and Z-Pak, has been linked to causing hearing loss as one of its many potential side effects. Zithromax is a very popular antibiotic used to treat a variety of conditions, including strep throat, certain types of ear infections, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). However, there have been many reports of people actually losing their hearing due to taking the antibiotic. In some cases the condition improved after the individual discontinued use of the drug but in other cases the hearing loss became permanent.
One of the main issues with Zithromax side effects is that many people are being prescribed the antibiotic without being made fully aware of potential problems it can case. Then, when they begin taking their prescription and experience an issue, many patients don’t make the connection to their antibiotic. This can lead patients to continue taking the prescription drug despite the hearing loss, which can actually make the side effect worse.
Zithromax Study Publicizes Hearing Risk
Zithromax is a treatment option for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also referred to as (COPD). The link between Zithromax and hearing loss was discovered by a group of scientists from Denver Health COPD Clinical Research Network who reported a small percentage of COPD patients suffered the problem after taking Zithromax. This information was published in the August 2011 publication of the New England Journal of Medicine.
The report indicated that after taking Zithromax or Azithromycin for one year on a daily basis hearing loss was experienced by some of the patients. Of the 570 patients that received Zithromax at the rate of 250 mg daily, 25% experienced hearing loss during the trial. Another group of 572 patients were given a placebo for the same period of time and only 20% of that group stated that they experienced hearing loss.
There have been other Zithromax users who have reported experiencing hearing loss when being treated for other ailments as well. The last thing a person expects when they receive Z-Pak or Azithromycin for an infection is to lose their hearing, but sadly this has occurred for some people.
If you or someone you know has suffered a Zithromax side effect you could be eligible to seek compensation through a Zithromax injury lawsuit. Visit the Zithromax Class Action Lawsuit Settlement Investigation page today. Simply provide your information and you will receive a free legal review from a qualified Zithromax lawsuit attorney.
Updated March 11th, 2013
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17 thoughts onZithromax Linked to Hearing Loss as a Side Effect
Had a sore throat that spread to my right ear.. I got a zpac and now I lost hearing in both ears. finished the pack 4 days ago. Haven’t been able to hear in over a week. Not sure what to do but I am going crazy! I hear muffled voices, clicking noises and high pitched ring. My anxiety has skyrocketed, I need help! About to take myself to the ER before I kill myself!
I experienced sudden and permanent hearing loss and significant tinnitus while taking Z-Pak (azithromycin) in approximately 2011. I was prescribed five pills (the Z-Pak), taking one per day, and the hearing loss occurred after taking the third pill. My hearing never returned to normal, and the tinnitus also continues. I now wear hearing aids and use other hearing assistance devices. I have a generally normal life, but my hearing situation is a significant disability.
Consumers and providers should be very wary of this drug.
I took a z pac and now have hearing loss. Is this law suit still open?
Did you experience it while on it or was there a delay between finishing and the symptoms? Did it ever resolve? My 14 son took this medication and about 7 days later after finishing he was losing hearing in both of his ears. All I keep hearing is that nobody’s seen this in their career.
I also lost hearing after taking azithromycin. Hearing loss was mentioned in the literature I received with it, but only along with some other, relatively minor effects and not at the top of the list. I am a professional harpist and music arranger and need my hearing. How do I get myself included in the class action?
I took the Z pak mfg for 3 days and had to go to Urgent Care today as I am experiencing significant hearing loss. I plan not to take the other 2 tabs and was recommended to use Nasal spray and an antihistamine OTC.
This is really serious.
I too took azithromycin for 4 days and so far lost most of my hearing in my left ear and have constant ringing, I’ve done nasal rinses and taken steroids hoping it would work, even the ENT doc said the steroids would work and nothing.
I took Zithromax in January and about 10 days later suffered hearing loss, first in one ear and then both ears. i went to the doctor who could find nothing wrong, he sent me to an ENT who also did not find the problem. 5 weeks later my hearing self-corrected. 2 weeks ago I got the flu and took a 3 day course of Zithromax, suddenly today I lost the hearing in my right ear again. This was too co-incidental so I looked up the side effects of Zithromax and there it was “HEARING LOSS” I am completely freaked out since my job required me to LISTEN constantly! i am praying that it self-corrects again in the meantime I can’t go through that long process of discomfort again!!
why would you take it again? after that happen, I already have tinnitus, I have a sinus infection and I am sitting here debating what to take, because I am afraid of losing my hearing due to this medication, I took it last year and nothing happened, but it can happen, I don’t like taking antibiotics but I get sinus infections every year, I don’t know what to do ;(
Hi,just want to ask if your hearing got better after stopping zithromax? Thanks
I have severe hearing loss after being on azithromycin. I have tobuy hearing aids on Nov. 3, 2015 so I can hear. I’ve been on this medicine for 10 months due to an infection in my body. I told my infectious disease doctor about my hearing loss but she never changed my medicine. I have something called MAC and it has to be treated with TB meds. I have to take this medicine plus two other anti-biotics for a year and maybe more. I’m afraid I’ll lose my hearing completely.
Did you get your hearing back?
This happened to my mother. She permanently lost her hearing in her left ear 2 days after completing a Z Pack course. She has only taken antibiotics one other time in here adult life. The doctors cannot tell her if it was caused by the Zithromax or just a coincidence.
Also, she experienced tinnitus in that ear for 2 hours before what she described as “extremely loud bells went off” and then nothing. She was 62 at the time. 2 years ago.
Happened to my too.
I thought the loss was from hitting the back of my head on ice when I fell.
They prescribed a Z-Pak after I hit my head and developed symptoms of Bells Palsy! Then it affected my hearing on the right side. Had perfet hearing before that.
I want my hearing back!
For what its worth, I never heard back from anyone.
Hearing loss after Z pack, permanent, any action being taken.