Zithromax, commonly called the Z-Pak, is a widely used antibiotic manufactured by Pfizer Inc. A May 17, 2012 study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that patients on azithromycin had one and a half times the odds of sudden death from cardiovascular causes than those on a similar antibiotic. The odds were even higher in patients with high risk cardiovascular conditions.The study analyzed data from 350,000 Medicaid patients who took azithromycin from 1992 to 2006. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a statement on the same day, announcing that it is reviewing the results of the study. The lawyers at Bernstein Liebhard LLP are offering free and confidential evaluations to individuals who suffered from Zithromax side effects.
Zithromax is prescribed to treat bacterial infections, including bronchitis, pneumonia, sore throats and earaches. According to the New York Times, doctors wrote 55.3 million prescriptions for azithromycin in the United States last year. It was often prescribed over amoxicillin, another common antibiotic because of its easier regiment. Patients take fewer pills over fewer days, making it easier for patients to finish a course of treatment. However, according to Wayne Ray, professor of preventative medicine at Vanderbilt University and lead author of the study, “the risk of death may outweigh convenience and compliance, at least for high-risk patients."
According to the study, there are 47 more deaths for every million people who took Zithromax instead of amoxicillin, which jumps to more than 245 deaths for those at high risks for heart problems. Individuals at high risk include those with heart failure, diabetes, previous heart attacks, prior bypass surgery or with stents implanted. In these individuals, the drug may cause potentially fatal abnormal heartbeats called arrhythmia.
Individuals who suffered from Zithromax side effects may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages and other injuries.
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