Several Zithromax lawsuits have been filed against Pfizer alleging that the drug maker failed to warn the medical community and the public about serious risks associated with taking the antibiotic.

This includes a Zithromax lawsuit filed in the New York state court by a Florida resident whose child suffered from Stevens Johnson Syndrome after taking Zithromax.

According to the Zithromax lawsuits, patients using Zithromax may have an increased chance of experiencing liver failure, kidney failure, birth defects, and Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

The Zithromax lawsuits against Pfizer allege that the company violated consumer protection laws. Pharmaceutical manufacturers have a legal duty to warn consumers about the side effects of the medications they produce, and are required to follow certain federally enacted standards regarding drug marketing materials.

In 2012, Pfizer was warned by the FDA that their promotional materials for Zithromax were out of compliance with federal regulations. According to the FDA the promotional material for Zithromax minimized and omitted risks associated with taking the medication.

What is Zithromax?

Zithromax, generically known as azithromycin, is a popular antibiotic. According to the FDA, in 2011 over 40 million people were prescribed Zithromax to treat a variety of ailments. Zithromax is often prescribed to treat bacterial infections, respiratory infections, skin infections, and some sexually transmitted diseases.

Azithromycin is packaged and sold under several names including Zithromax, Z-Pak, and Zmax. The medication is generally prescribed in three to five day dose packs.

Zithromax Stevens Johnson Syndrome

One of the various side affects associated with taking Zithromax is Stevens Johnson Syndrome. Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a rare but serious condition that effects the skin and mucus membranes.

Medical professionals believe that one cause of Stevens Johnson Syndrome is an allergic reaction to medications. Symptoms of Stevens Johnson Syndrome often resemble the flu in its very first stages.

Affected persons may experience fever, sore throat, fatigue, and or a cough. Soon symptoms become more physical and include facial swelling, hives, tongue swelling, a quickly spreading red or purple rash, blisters on the skin and mucus membranes, and the shedding of skin.

In severe cases Stevens Johnson Syndrome may develop into Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). This is characterized by patients who have a rash or blisters covering over 30% of their body.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome patients are often treated in a hospitals burn ward. Treatment is focused on keeping patients hydrated and relieving symptoms. If the onset of Stevens Johnson Syndrome occurred due to an allergic reaction, doctors will have the patient stop taking the offending medication.

Depending on the severity of symptoms a patient may need to be hospitalized from anywhere between several weeks to several months. Patients should seek the advice of a medical professional before stopping any medication or treatment.

Awards and settlements from Zithromax Steven Johnson Syndrome lawsuits can help ensure that victims have sufficient funds to pay for their medical treatment.

The Zithromax lawsuits may also provide compensation for the pain and suffering victims have been forced to experience due to taking the medication. Lawsuits like these also help hold large pharmaceutical companies accountable for their actions and remind companies that they owe their consumers a specific duty of care.

The Zithromax SJS Lawsuit is Case No. 155812-2012 and was filed in the Supreme Court of the state of New York.