FDA: Z-pack antibiotics could lead to fatal heart issues

[Swordsmyth]

Azithromycin, a commonly-prescribed antibiotic, may trigger a potentially deadly irregular heart rhythm for some patients, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned Tuesday. The antibiotic that's sold as Zithromax, Zmax or sometimes referred to as a "Z-Pack" is prescribed to treat bacterial infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or ear infections.
The FDA is warning the public that the pills can cause abnormal changes in the heart's electrical activity that may lead to a fatal heart rhythm. Not everyone is at risk. Patients with known risk factors such as existing QT interval prolongation, low blood levels of potassium or magnesium, a slower than normal heart rate, or those who use certain drugs to treat abnormal heart rhythms, or arrhythmias face the greatest risk.
"Health care professionals should consider the risk of fatal heart rhythms with azithromycin when considering treatment options for patients who are already at risk for cardiovascular events," the FDA said in its March 12th update.
The new guidance was prompted by a May 2012 study and another study by the antibiotic's manufacturer, Pfizer, that looked at risks to electrical activity of the heart in azithromycin-takers.
Last May, a New England Journal of Medicine study paid for by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute found there would be 47 extra heart-related deaths per one million course of treatment with five days of Zithromax, as compared to 10 days of amoxicillin and other antibiotics. The risks of cardiovascular death associated with levofloxacin (Levaquin) treatment were similar to those associated with azithromycin treatment, according to the FDA.

More at: https://news.yahoo.com/fda-z-pack-antibiotics-could-121641608.html

 

[donnay]

Six years ago doctors in Texas were writing scripts of Z-paks, like handing out candy, for the Flu. My sister swears by them, I just sent this info to her. Of course she'll probably dismiss it, because she thinks her doctor walks on water.

Thanks for posting it.

 

[Zippyjuan]

Six years ago doctors in Texas were writing scripts of Z-paks, like handing out candy, for the Flu. My sister swears by them, I just sent this info to her. Of course she'll probably dismiss it, because she thinks her doctor walks on water.

Thanks for posting it.

The flu is caused by a virus. Antibiotics don't work on viruses.

 

[Brian4Liberty]

The flu is caused by a virus. Antibiotics don't work on viruses.

That has never stopped the drug pushers. You go to a doctor, they most likely will prescribe something.

And they will rationalize it by saying it is to prevent a secondary bacterial infection, such as bacterial pneumonia.

 

[donnay]

The flu is caused by a virus. Antibiotics don't work on viruses.

Duh, tell that to doctors who passed them out like candy during the alleged flu epidemic of 2013.

 

[Zippyjuan]

nm

 

[oyarde]

I suggest a life of hard work if you would like a strong heart . Unless your heart is empty and your soul has left , in that case you are a democrat and it is beneficial that you do not live long.