Zyvox
Zyvox Illegal Promotion & Death Risk Warning
Zyvox is one of four drugs at the center of a multi-billion dollar settlement paid by manufacturing giant Pfizer.
The company has pleaded guilty to illegally promoting off-label use of the drugs, exaggerating their benefits, and minimizing their risks.
In addition, studies have linked Zyvox to an increased risk of death in patients who are seriously ill. It was found that patients with bloodstream infections related to catheters who took Zyvox were at more risk of dying than those taking other antibiotics. As a result, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety alert for Zyvox in March 2007.
What is Zyvox?
Zyvox, generic name Linezolid, is an antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body. It is used to treat different types of bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, skin infections, and infections that are resistant to other antibiotics. The drug is administered in two forms, as an oral liquid and as an injection.
Zyvox & Lactic Acidosis
Over time, some patients taking Zyvox have developed a life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis. The symptoms associated with the condition generally get worse over time and can be fatal. Immediately call your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following symptoms of lactic acidosis:
- Muscle pain or weakness
- Numb or cold feelings in arms and legs
- Breathing difficulties
- Stomach pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Irregular heart rate
- Dizziness
- Feelings of weakness or tiredness
Side Effects of Zyvox
Get emergency medical help if you develop any of these signs of an allergic reaction:
- Hives
- Difficulty breathing
- Fainting
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
Call your doctor immediately if you develop serious side effects such as:
- Pale skin
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Unusual weakness
- Fever, chills, body aches, or other flu symptoms
- Watery or bloody diarrhea
- Seizures
- Changes in vision or hand sensations
Overview of Zyvox
Zyvox was approved in April 2000 for use in adults and in December 2002 for use in infants and children. It belongs to a new class of antibiotics called oxazolidinones that are designed to attack bacteria by blocking protein production. It was specifically approved for treating pneumonia, skin disorders, and "superbugs," which are bacteria that genetically mutate to resist traditional antibiotics.
In addition to the finding that Zyvox can be dangerous for patients with blood infections, a study conducted at the University of Illinois College of Medicine concluded that Zyvox may not be as effective as originally thought to be.
The drug faced more difficulties in September 2009, when Pfizer was accused of illegally marketing off-label uses of Zyvox and three other drugs. After pleading guilty, the manufacturer agreed to pay a $2.3 million fine.
At Edgar Snyder & Associates, Our Lawyers Understand Dangerous Cases
If you or someone you love has died after using Zyvox or experienced any of the symptoms associated with the drug, it is important that you act immediately.
When our law firm gets involved with your case, we immediately get to work investigating the cause of your drug reaction and fighting for your legal rights to fair compensation.
Contact our law firm today by taking advantage of our free legal evaluation.
