Zyvox (linezolid) formulations are indicated in the treatment of a number of bacterial infections. More specifically, Zyvox is an antibiotic that is administered in the presence of pneumonia, skin infections, and infections that are caused by a resistant bacterium. Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received reports of serious central nervous system reactions when Zyvox is given to patients taking specific psychiatric medications. Patients taking Zyvox may significantly increase their risk of developing a severe, life-threatening drug reaction known as serotonin syndrome.
If you or a loved one has been injured by Zyvox, you should contact our lawyersimmediately for a free confidential case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.
Zyvox Lawsuit Overview
As a product of Pfizer, Zyvox was manufactured and developed on April 18, 2000. With the approval of the FDA, the antibiotic has utilized linezolid, a potent monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), in the fight against bacterial infections. However recent evidence suggests that linezolid may be responsible for several Zyvox lawsuits.
Linezolid, the active ingredient in Zyvox, is used in the treatment of infections. More specifically, Zyvox is administered in the treatment of pneumonia, infections of the skin, and infections caused by a resistant bacterium (Enterococcus faecium). It is a potent, reversible monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) that works by preventing the growth of bacteria. In doing so, linezolid inhibits the action of monoamine oxidase A, an enzyme responsible for breaking down serotonin in the brain. As a result, Zyvox is able to assist in the treatment of a number of bacterial infections.
The use of MAOI’s, such as linezolid, may not demonstrate a favorable risk-benefit profile. It is believed that when linezolid is given to patients taking serotonergic psychiatric medications, high levels of serotonin can build up in the brain, causing toxicity. Popular serotonergic psychiatric medications include Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa,Lexapro, and Effexor. As a result, toxicity may be responsible for patients developing a severe, life-threatening drug reaction known as serotonin syndrome. Due to the severity of serotonin syndrome, patients may contact a Zyvox lawyer at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP for a free case evaluation of their potential Zyvox lawsuit.
Zyvox Side Effects
The side effects listed below have been linked to the use of Zyvox:
- Serotonin Syndrome
- Extreme mental changes
- Confusion
- Hyperactivity
- Increased heart rate
- Memory problems
- muscle twitching
- Excessive sweating
- Shivering
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Hallucinations
- rapid changes in blood pressure
- Fever
Due to the severity of these side effects, patients may contact a Zyvox lawyer at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP for a free case evaluation of their potential Zyvox lawsuit.
Zyvox Serotonin Syndrome
Zyvox serotonin syndrome most often occurs in the presence of multiple drugs that are intended to affect the body’s level of serotonin. The FDA has acknowledged reports of severe central nervous system (CNS) reactions when the antibacterial drug linezolid (Zyvox) is given to patients taking certain psychiatric drugs. These drugs, known as serotonergic psychiatric medications, affect the serotonin system of the brain.
It is believed that when linezolid is given to patients taking serotonergic psychiatric medications, high levels of serotonin may persist to build up in the brain, causing severe toxicity. The drug reaction that ensues may cause mental changes (confusion, hyperactivity, memory problems), muscle twitching, excessive sweating, shivering or shaking, diarrhea, trouble with coordination and/or fever.
Serotonin syndrome typically does not cause any adverse health events once serotonin levels are back to normal. However, if neglected, severe serotonin syndrome may lead to unconsciousness and death. Due to the severity of serotonin syndrome, you may want to consider speaking with our lawyers to see if you meet the requirements to file a Zyvox lawsuit against Pfizer.
FDA Zyvox Warning
The following FDA Safety Alert acknowledges the dangers associated with taking Zyvox in association with serotonergic psychiatric medications:
The FDA is issuing an alert to advise consumers of new emerging safety concerns regarding Zyvox (linezolid) from a clinical study. The study included 726 patients 13 years of age or older with catheter-related bloodstream infections including those with catheter-site infections. In the linezolid arm, 151 of the 363 (42%) patients had bacteremia, and in the comparator arm, 136 of the 363 (37%) patients had bacteremia. About 48% of patients were being treated in an intensive care unit and 26% were intubated.
This study showed an increased number of deaths up to 84 days after the first dose of study drug in patients treated with linezolid (78 of 363 [21·5%]) compared to those treated with comparator (58 of 363 [16·0%]). At baseline 34 patients in the linezolid arm and 32 patients in the comparator arm had Gram-negative bacteremia; an additional 28 patients in the linezolid arm and 17 patients in the comparator arm developed Gram-negative bacteremia during treatment. The greatest imbalance occurred during treatment and within 7 days following discontinuation of study drug with 43/363 (12%) deaths in the linezolid arm versus 22/363 (6%) in the comparator arm. Due to the severity of these findings, patients may contact a Zyvox lawyer at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP for a free case evaluation of their potential Zyvox lawsuit.
Do I Have a Zyvox Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in Zyvox lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has been injured by Zyvox, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-(949) 557-5800. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.