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Azithromycin, sold as Zithromax or “Z-Pak,” is prescribed to treat bacterial infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or ear infections. With only a five day cycle versus the usual 10, it’s one of largest selling pharmaceuticals in the U.S. But it also comes with some heart-related side effects, having been alleged to cause irregular heartbeats and heart attacks.
A recent study, published in the June 4 issue of JAMA, looked at more than 73,000 patients over the age of 65 with pneumonia who were treated at Veterans Administration hospitals. Researchers compared those given Zithromax with those who weren’t. The researchers found that those given azithromycin had a higher short-term survival rate, but also a slight increase in heart attack risk. Findings, however, did not show an increase in irregular heartbeat or heart failure.
The study, led by Dr. Eric Mortensen from the VA North Texas Healthcare System, analyzed patient survival at 30 and 90 days, and heart problems at 90 days, after taking antibiotics. The researchers found a net benefit to using azithromycin, with “around seven deaths averted for every one non-fatal heart attack induced.”
Specific findings at the 90 day mark showed:
- 17 percent of patients who were given Zithromax died compared to 22 percent of those who were treated with a different antibiotic.
- 5 percent of azithromycin users had a heart attack, compared to 4 percent with a different antibiotic.
- Irregular heartbeats and heart failure occurred in 26 percent of the patients, no matter what medication was used, within 90 days of ingestion
Overall, findings showed that patients who took Z-Pak had 24 percent lower odds of dying after 30 days, and 27 percent lower odds after 90 days compared to those patients treated with different drugs. The researchers noted, however, that the results may not apply to the masses as their study was fairly limited, with a pool of mostly older male patients.
However, it’s has been alleged that for individuals with existing heart issues Zithromax is a particularly high risk medication and has been connected to heart attacks. Pfizer, its manufacturer, is already in the midst of a Zithromax class action lawsuit with Z-Pak victims, who allege there are insufficient warnings about potential complications.
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:
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