Zithromax May Cause Heart Attack, Other Cardiac Problems

FDA Issues Warnings on Zithromax

In 2012, the United States Food and Drug Administration issued a statement related to the antibiotic azithromycin (aka Zithromax, ZPak).  Zithromax was a member of the macrolide class of antibiotics.  Other members of this family were known to be associated with serious heart problems.  However, Zithromax was believed to be the “gentle sister,” the only member of this family to lack this potentially-lethal side effects related to the electrical systems with the heart.  However, a new study challenged this generally held assumption.  

A study published in the May 2012 issue of the prestigious, peer-reviewed medical journal New England Journal of Medicine compared patients taking Zithromax to those taking other antibiotics, including amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin (Cipro), and levofloxacin (Levaquin).  They also included patients taking no antibiotics as their control.  The study reported that patients taking Zithromax had an elevated risk of cardiovascular event-related compared to subjects taking other antibiotics.  

The FDA went on to release an updated Drug Safety Communication in March of 2013.  This statement warned patients that evidence was mounting that Zithromax could cause serious heart damage.  It was believed that the drug could cause abnormal changes in the electrical activity of the heart.  These changes could lead to an elongation of the QT interval, a phase of the electrical discharges in the heart, which carefully coordinate the heartbeat.  This in turn could lead to a dangerous arrhythmia or change in heartbeat.  

Serious problems, like sudden cardiac death can result from this change in heart rhythm.  The FDA called for an update to the drug labels to include information about the risk of QT interval prolongation.  They also advised that physicians and patients should consider other antibiotics in patients with preexisting heart conditions, as this seemed to make them more likely to suffer from life-threatening side effects after taking Zithromax.  

Zithromax Lawsuits Allege Drug Causes Heart Problems

Lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturers of Zithromax. These Zithromax lawsuits allege that manufacturers knew, or should have known about the risks associated with their products. The lawsuits further allege that the manufacturer downplayed these risks, preventing both patients and prescribing physicians from having the information they needed to make an informed decision regarding their medical treatment. Plaintiffs are seeking damages related to heart problems suffered as a result of the heart-related complications stemming from these drugs.

If you or someone you know suffered from heart-related complications after using Zithromax, you may feel overwhelmed. Losing a loved one or recovering from a heart attack can be a daunting challenge in and of itself. But you have rights, and there are steps to take back control of your life. You can start by visiting the Zithromax, Z-Pak, Azithromycin Heart Attack, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome & Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Class Action Lawsuit Settlement & Investigation Lawsuit Investigation. Here, you can enter your information for review by a lawyer specializing in this type of legal action. This initial consultation is free of charge. From here you can receive guidance on the next steps to take in your specific situation.