Zithromax Linked to Toxic Liver Risk

Top Class Actions’s website and social media posts use affiliate links. If you make a purchase using such links, we may receive a commission, but it will not result in any additional charges to you. Please review our Affiliate Link Disclosure for more information.

The popular antibiotic Zithromax (azithromycin) has been linked with an increased risk of developing hepatotoxicity, more commonly known as toxic liver disease.

Pfizer has manufactured and sold Zithromax since it received U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approval in 1996. Because doctors routinely prescribe Zithromax as a treatment for acute bacterial infections, pneumonia, tonsillitis, and other antibiotic susceptible conditions, Pfizer makes $450 million in sales annually. Despite its popularity and the drug’s effectiveness, Pfizer has come under fire after many consumers reported developing various Zithromax side effects, including severe liver damage and liver toxicity.

In 2011, the FDA issued a statement warning consumers of the increased risk of hepatotoxicity and other types of liver damage as a Zithromax side effect. Pfizer immediately altered the warning labels and marketing of Zithromax and Z-Paks to include possible liver complications.

The FDA warning has been supported by a more recent 2013 study. This report also found a strong link between Zithromax use and patient’s developing toxic liver disease.

According to the report, Zithromax has about 1-2 percent rate of liver toxicity in patients prescribed Zithromax for a short period of time, and a higher rate in patients prescribed Zithromax for longer treatment courses. Liver damage allegedly caused by Zithromax typically occurs one to three weeks after beginning a  Z-Pak treatment.

While hepatotoxicity will usually resolve on its own (or with little treatment) after an individual has discontinued Zithromax, consumers who have suffered liver damage as a side effect of Z-Pak use will need extra care and monitoring.

Hepatotoxicity Symptoms

Because Zithromax is broken down and processed by the liver, individuals with liver problems, or a person with undiagnosed abnormal liver functions, may be at risk of developing a toxic liver disease. In its most severe form, when left undiagnosed or treated, hepatotoxicity may result in a patient’s death.

Some symptoms of toxic liver disease include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Feeling tired or weak
• Jaundice
• Liver enlargement

Because of the pain and suffering endured and the potential long-lasting damage to vital organs, many consumers are pursuing Zithromax class action lawsuits. Pfizer has not made any official public statements addressing the reports of toxic liver disease, liver damage, and other liver problems linked with their Z-Pak treatments.

Other Zithromax Side Effects

Heptatotoxicity is not the only potential side effect that a patient may develop during  Zithromax treatments. Many consumers have reported other life-threatening side effects. These side effects include:

• Heart attack
• Stevens Johnson Syndrome
• Liver failure
• Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
• Cardiovascular problems
• Sudden death

Join a Free Zithromax Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you believe that you or a loved one has been the victim of a Zithromax/Z-Pak injury such as a heart attack, liver damage, or Stevens Johnson Syndrome, you have legal options. See if you qualify to join a free Zithromax class action lawsuit investigation and pursue compensation for you or your loved one’s injuries: 

Oops! We could not locate your form.