Zithromax (azithromycin) is a popular antibiotic manufactured by Pfizer Inc. that is widely prescribed for individuals suffering from acute bacterial infections, tonsillitis, and pneumonia. Since Zithromax received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in the mid-1990s, the drug has sold well worldwide and made Pfizer hundreds of millions of dollars in sales annually.

However, within the last year, Pfizer has faced several lawsuits, including class action lawsuits, filed by patients and families of patients who allegedly suffered extreme side effects after taking Zithromax.

These life-threatening conditions include:

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

Because of the high number of physician and consumer reports alleging serious Zithromax side effects, Pfizer has come under investigation by the FDA and other entities within the medical and drug community.

Liver Toxicity

In August 2013, a study was released in the National Library of Health Medicine that claimed to support a the hypothesis linking Zithromax with increased patient risk of hepatotoxicity (otherwise known as toxic liver disease). According to the study, Zithromax can increase the occurrence of liver toxicity by 1-2 percent for patients on a short-term round of the Pfizer antibiotic. This rate increases when a patient is prescribed longer Zithromax courses, and these patients will typically manifest symptoms of liver damage one to three weeks after they initiate the Zithromax prescription.

Liver toxicity will generally resolve itself after a patient stops taking Zithromax. However, patients who sustained liver damage will require extra care and monitoring, especially in light of the reports of fatal Zithromax liver damage.

Heart Attack

In March 2013, the FDA released a public consumer warning notice over reports of increased dangers of experiencing negative cardiovascular activity while on Zithromax. Zithromax has been allegedly linked with “abnormal changes in the electrical activity of the heart that may lead to a potentially fatal irregular heart rhythm.”

The FDA’s warning also advised doctors to cease prescription of Zithromax to patients with a history of cardiovascular complications and prescribe alternative antibiotics.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS)

Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS)  and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis are painful, life-threatening skin conditions in which the top layer of skin cells die and separate, leaving the sensitive mucous membrane open to infection, blistering, and scarring. SJS most commonly is suffered by individuals between the ages of 20 and 40. However, it has been known to develop in children as young as three months old. Recent medical reports have suggested that Zithromax has an even higher SJS prevalence rate than other drugs in its class.

Additional Zithromax Side Effects

There are other additional Zithromax side effects that have been reported by physicians and consumers. These reported Zithromax side effects include:

• Chest pain, uneven heartbeats
• Severe skin reaction
• Mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
• Stomach pain or upset
• Dizziness, tired feeling, or headache
• Nervous feeling, sleep problems (insomnia)
• Vaginal itching or discharge
• Mild itching or skin rash
• Ringing in your ears, problems with hearing
• Decreased sense of taste or smell