A popular antibiotic prescribed to treat common bacterial infections could carry serious heart risks.
If you've ever taken a "Z-Pak," you need to read this. The Food and Drug Administration issued a warning Tuesday to doctors, and patients who have or may have heart problems.
Z-Paks are popular and widely prescribed because patients take fewer doses over a shorter period of time, compared to some other antibiotics. And when you're feeling lousy, those are the little pills that can make you feel a whole lot better in just a matter of days. "It's used all the time on a daily basis by many, many health care professionals," Fox 29's Dr. Mike Cirigliano said.
But new information prompted the FDA to issue a warning to doctors: if a patient has certain heart problems, they should not be prescribed a Z-pack, otherwise known as Azithromycin or Zithromax. The FDA says the drug could increase the risk of cardiovascular death in high-risk patients. So who exactly is high risk? Dr. Mike said "low magnesium, low potassium, if they have a history of an abnormal EKG," are among the risk factors. In other words, you need to know how healthy your heart is. And if you don't know, you'll want to find out before taking a Z-Pak.
Melissa Lopez is taking the warning to heart. "We do need to back off and let some colds take their course," Lopez told Fox 29. "I think it's a risk you take with any medication." Dr. Mike called the news a "game changer." "It's going to require that if someone is that sick that they need an antibiotic, it's going to be hard for us to say, hey we'll just give you a Z-Pak over the phone without seeing you," Dr. Mike acknowledged.
In an era where critics complain antibiotics are over-prescribed, and too many patients look to a pill for relief, the Z-Pak warning is sobering. "I probably would still take the Z-Pak," Stephanie Wurgler told Fox 29, "but obviously, if you have a family physician that you see, they would probably know your history, and it would be better to talk to them to make sure that they think it's okay for you."
That's the same advice from Pfizer, the maker of the Z-Pak. The company says most patients will not be affected, but you should talk to your doctor if you have any reason to be concerned. The FDA said it's also putting a stronger warning on the drug's label, just in case.
Tuesday, June 11 2013 5:54 AM EDT2013-06-11 09:54:40 GMT
Will Sarah Murnaghan receive the lungs she needs to save her life? No one can answer that question just yet. But she and other children like her may now have a better chance of survival.
Will Sarah Murnaghan receive the lungs she needs to save her life? No one can answer that question just yet. But she and other children like her may now have a better chance of survival.
Friday, June 7 2013 6:18 PM EDT2013-06-07 22:18:50 GMT
A Delaware County girl is hoping she's one day closer to receiving a new lung. And thanks to the overwhelming push to help 10-year-old Sarah Murnaghan, a little boy and his family also have new hope.
A Delaware County girl is hoping she's one day closer to receiving a new lung. And thanks to the overwhelming push to help 10-year-old Sarah Murnaghan, a little boy and his family also have new hope. But time is ticking away on the temporary restraining order that allows these children a chance at adult organs.
Friday, June 7 2013 11:19 AM EDT2013-06-07 15:19:14 GMT
We're hearing from Sarah Murnaghan's doctor about why she needs a lung so urgently, as another child's family files suit to get their son on the adult donor list.
We're hearing from Sarah Murnaghan's doctor about why she needs a lung so urgently, as another child's family files suit to get their son on the adult donor list.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 6:58 PM EDT2013-06-18 22:58:16 GMT
Under a "doomsday" budget now being enacted, schools and students in the city of Philadelphia are facing devastating losses. Philadelphia is trying to convince the state not to let it happen.
Under a "doomsday" budget now being enacted, schools and students in the city of Philadelphia are facing devastating losses. Philadelphia is trying to convince the state not to let it happen.
Monday, June 17 2013 6:25 PM EDT2013-06-17 22:25:14 GMT
A vandal shattered both windows and nerves in a Cumberland County, New Jersey neighborhood. He did plenty of damage, but residents are thankful it wasn't any worse.
A vandal shattered both windows and nerves in a Cumberland County, New Jersey neighborhood. He did plenty of damage, but residents are thankful it wasn't any worse, because they know the vandal easily could have hurt someone.
Thursday, June 13 2013 5:55 PM EDT2013-06-13 21:55:49 GMT
A week ago Sarah cheered at the prospect of getting another chance at life. Now her family is waiting for her to take her first breath with her new donor lungs.
A week ago Sarah cheered at the prospect of getting another chance at life. Now her family is waiting for her to take her first breath with her new donor lungs.
Thursday, June 13 2013 5:44 PM EDT2013-06-13 21:44:11 GMT
It's a critical waiting period right now for a 10-year-old Delaware County girl. Sarah Murnaghan received her double lung transplant Wednesday, thanks to a judge's order that allowed her to get on
It's a critical waiting period right now for a 10-year-old Delaware County girl. Sarah Murnaghan received her double lung transplant Wednesday, thanks to a judge's order that allowed her to get on an adult organ donor waiting list despite her young age. And while the transplant is cause for celebration, Sarah still has quite a fight ahead.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:37 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:37:38 GMT
Breaking news in North Philadelphia on the 2300 block of North Tenth Street, where three people, including a pregnant woman, were shot. This happened just before four this afternoon.
Breaking news in North Philadelphia on the 2300 block of North Tenth Street, where three people, including a pregnant woman, were shot. This happened just before four this afternoon.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:13 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:13:35 GMT
At approximately 2:45pm Wednesday afternoon, a bank robbery occurred at the National Penn Bank on E. High Street in Pottstown, PA. Police have captured three of the fours suspects so far.
At approximately 2:45pm Wednesday afternoon, a bank robbery occurred at the National Penn Bank on E. High Street in Pottstown, PA. Police have captured three of the fours suspects so far.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:11 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:11:57 GMT
If you hated going to traffic court in Philadelphia, you won't have to anymore! Today, Governor Tom Corbett signed a bill abolishing traffic court,effective immediately.
If you hated going to traffic court in Philadelphia, you won't have to anymore! Today, Governor Tom Corbett signed a bill abolishing traffic court,effective immediately.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:57 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:57:28 GMT
A main line mascot gets the boot. At issue: cultural sensitivity.It's an issue that's been playing out on athletic fields all over America: re-thinking team names and the mascots that go with them.
A main line mascot gets the boot. At issue: cultural sensitivity.It's an issue that's been playing out on athletic fields all over America: re-thinking team names and the mascots that go with them.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:47 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:47:02 GMT
City administration officials came before a City Council committee with orders not to talk about the building collapse, but that didn't stop council members from raising questions.
City administration officials came before a City Council committee with orders not to talk about the building collapse, but that didn't stop council members from raising questions.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:06 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:06:59 GMT
Six of the people accused in one of the largest public corruption cases in our area's history plead guilty today in court. 18 people total are accused of bilking the Bensalem school district.
Six of the people accused in one of the largest public corruption cases in our area's history plead guilty today in court. 18 people total are accused of bilking the Bensalem school district.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:49 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:49:38 GMT
Everyone remembers Cabbage Patch Dolls. They were those cherub-faced dolls that had yarn hair. A fan of those dolls is making and selling wigs to look exactly like the toy!They come in all shapes, sizes
Everyone remembers Cabbage Patch Dolls. They were those cherub-faced dolls that had yarn hair. A fan of those dolls is making and selling wigs to look exactly like the toy!They come in all shapes, sizes
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:37 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:37:45 GMT
Thursday weather looks spectacular with mostly sunny skies and low humidity levels. A light jacket may be needed early in the day with lows in the 50s, but under sunny skies temperatures climb into the low 80s. Along the coast highs top out in the mid 70s. Winds will be out of the WSW 5-10 mph. High 83. Low 58.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:37 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:37:01 GMT
The best confidence boosters for women are the ones without a price tag! A study done by the "Ready To Glow" campaign says that simple things like a smile from a stranger or being told "I love you" makes
The best confidence boosters for women are the ones without a price tag!
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:05 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:05:26 GMT
The Camden County Police Department has released the photos of two missing jueveniles hoping that someone will recongize them and know thier whereabouts. The following information is directly from a
The Camden County Police Department has released the photos of two missing juveniles hoping that someone will recognize them and know their whereabouts.
WTTG FOX 5 & myfoxdc 5151 Wisconsin Ave. NW Washington, DC 20016 Main Number: (202) 244-5151 Newsroom: (202) 895-3000 fox5tips@wttg.com
The FDA on Tuesday issued a warning about the possible treatment known as "Z-Pak."
