7/23/2015
First, it was Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), potentially fatal rash, now Zithromax may cause life threatening liver and kidney damage. Zithromax (azithromycin), often called Z-pak or Zmax, is a widely used antibiotic for the treatment of bacterial infections such as pneumonia, ear infections, skin infections and tonsillitis. It’s popular due to the relatively short dosage cycle and the powerful results it produces.
It’s also producing lawsuits. Not only is its maker, Pfizer, being sued for the aforementioned SJS incidents, its now facing claims of failure to warn of dangerous health risks regarding its effect on the hepatic and renal systems. Both types of suits claim Pfizer overmarketed the drug knowing of the potential dangers.
Zithromax Liver Damage
A 2013 study, published in the National Library of Health Medicine show a 1-2% increased risk of toxic liver disease in Zithromax users. The FDA ordered Pfizer to include a warning of this risk on the product label in 2001. However, many of the current suits claim that Pfizer was aware of the risk to the liver as early as 1998 but said nothing.
Zithromax Liver damage symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Clay-colored stools
- Fatigue
- Skin discoloration
Zithromax Kidney Failure
Suits also allege that Zithromax may cause rare but dangerous side effects in the kidneys, such as kidney infections, kidney damage and even kidney failure.
Zithromax kidney failure symptoms include:
- Metallic taste in the mouth/ammonia breath
- Nausea and vomiting
- Changes in urination
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, face and/or hands
- Fatigue
- Skin rash/itching
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Feeling cold
- Leg pain
Patients taking Zithromax who notice any of these side effects should seek immediate medical attention.
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