Biaxin is an antibiotic that has been linked to an increased risk of severe heart problems and death in patients with pre-existing heart disease.
FDA Warning: Biaxin Heart Problems, Death
The FDA is warning doctors about Biaxin after a 10-year study of patients with Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) found higher rates of severe heart problems and death. These side effects can occur many years after a patient was prescribed Biaxin.
What is the Problem?
Biaxin may increase the risk of the following side effects:
- Heart damage
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Death
What is Biaxin?
Biaxin® (clarithromycin) is an antibiotic that has been on the market in the U.S. for over 25 years. It is used to treat many types of infections affecting the skin, eats, sinuses, lungs, and more. Biaxin is manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceuticals. It was approved in 1995.
Study Finds Increased Death Rate in Biaxin Patients
The CLARICOR clinical trial found an unexpected increase in the risk of death among patients with pre-existing heart disease who were prescribed a 2-week course of Biaxin. The risk became apparent after patients had been followed for 1 year or longer.
According to the FDA Safety Communication on February 22, 2018:
“FDA added a new warning about this increased risk of death in patients with heart disease, and advised prescribers to consider using other antibiotics in such patients.”
Symptoms of a Heart Attack
Patients should seek emergency medical attention if they develop symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, such as:
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Pain or weakness on one side of the body
- Pain or weakness in one part of the body
- Slurred speech
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