Zithromax is an oral antibiotic used to treat a wide array of bacterial infections including, respiratory infections, ear infections, skin infections, and some sexually transmitted diseases. Zithromax is commonly prescribed as a “Z-Pack,” a five day course of antibiotics designed to help the patient recover as quickly as possible from their infection. The speed and effectiveness of the drug made it one of the most prescribed antibiotics in the country following its release.
Zithromax belongs to a class of drugs called macrolides. In 2011, the FDA conducted a study of these macrolides to investigate claims that these drugs have caused severe cardiac rhythm problems and, in some cases, death.
The study revealed an increased risk of cardiac death among patients who were prescribed Zithromax as opposed to some other type of antibiotic. A second study revealed that the use of Zithromax caused an increase in the risk of cardiac arrhythmia (abnormal heart beat) due to QT prolongation- (slower heart rate), which can lead to the development of torsades de pointes, which is a rare heart disease which caused by irregular heartbeats. Based on these findings the FDA issued a new warning on Zithromax, stating that use of the drug can cause “irregular heart activity and result in a fatal heart rhythm.” In addition to the cardiac concerns, Zithromax has also been linked to an increased risk of Drug-Induced Liver Injury.
If you or someone you know suffered cardiac arrhythmia or torsades de pointes following the use of Zithromax, you may be entitled to recover for your injuries. Please contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, for a free consultation and case evaluation. (833) 606-DRUG [3784].