Zithromax: Antibiotic & Liver Damage
Zithromax (Azithromycin) is a popular antibiotic manufactured by Pfizer that is used to treat different types of bacterial infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, tonsillitis, skin infections, ear infections and sexually transmitted diseases. Recently there have been reports of severe side effects from the drug, including liver damage resulting in the need for liver transplant surgery and liver damage resulting in death.
Zithromax, also referred to as the “z-packs” and “tri-packs”, is in a class of drugs known as macrolide antibiotics. Like all macrolide antibiotics, Zithromax prevents the spread of bacteria by interfering with their ability to make proteins. Until recently, Zithromax was widely prescribed for all types of bacterial infections, from pneumonia and sinus infections, to throat infections and sexually transmitted diseases. However, recent warnings have been added to the drug’s label regarding abnormal liver function, jaundice, necrosis, liver failure and even death.
Symptoms of liver damage from Zithromax include:
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Clay-colored stools
- Dark urine
- Skin discoloration
Zithromax was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in June of 1996. There are reports that Pfizer knew about potential side effects as early as 1998 but waited to change the warning label until they were required by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration to do so in late 2000. The new warning label was modified to state that liver failure, abnormal liver function, necrosis and jaundice had been reported by some patients taking Zithromax.
Serious Side Effects
There have been reports of additional and potentially fatal reactions to Zithromax, including angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, and neck that impedes speaking, swallowing and breathing), anaphylaxis (violent and sometimes fatal allergic reaction) and serious skin diseases.
If you or a loved one have experienced any serious side effects from the defective drug Zicam, please call us at (516) 342-2200 or fill out our online contact form for a free case evaluation.
