Multiple Zithromax lawsuits have been filed in both state and federal court, alleging adverse side effects linked to the Zithromax medication, including Stevens Johnson Syndrome. Zithromax, also known as azithromycin, is a popular antibiotic that is commonly prescribed by physicians in the United States and around the world. Azithromycin is sold under various names including Z-Pak, Zmax, and Zithromax.

According to one Zithromax SJS lawsuit, Pfizer Inc. (the manufacturer of Zithromax) engaged in an aggressive advertising campaign to market Zithromax to the medical community and the general public. And while sales of Zithromax no longer reach into the billions as they did before generic versions of the drug became available on the American drug market, U.S. Zithromax sales still brought in $435 million in 2012 alone.

However, Pfizer has faced many legal problems due to their Zithromax manufacturing and marketing strategies. During the summer of 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned Pfizer that the promotional material for the medication did not comply with federal rules. The FDA specifically stated that the promotional materials minimized and omitted risks associated with taking the medication, including Zithromax Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Doctors may prescribe azithromycin to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections including bronchitis, pneumonia, ear infections, and respiratory infections. Zithromax can be administered in three different forms: as a pill, a liquid, or an extended release liquid. Recently, Zithromax side effects have gained public attention due to their serious nature. Zithromax side effects include liver failure, kidney failure, allergic reactions, birth defects, and Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Overview of Zithromax Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Stevens Johnson Syndome (or SJS) is a rare but serious condition affecting the body’s skin and mucous membranes. While Stevens Johnson Syndrome has various triggers, many people develop the condition as a result of an allergic reaction to medications. Medications that can cause Stevens Johnson syndrome include anti-gout medications, pain relievers (like Tylenol), and many antibiotics (like Zithromax). Other causes include infections like herpes, pneumonia, and hepatitis.

For many patients Stevens Johnson Syndrome begins with flu like symptoms. Patients often experience fever, sore mouth and throat, fatigue, and cough. Several days later, patients often develop dermatological symptoms such as facial swelling, tongue swelling, hives, blisters on the mucous membranes, and/or a fast growing red or purple rash. In very severe Zithromax SJS cases, large patches of skin can slough off the body. Medical professionals suggest patients seek help immediately after dermatological symptoms develop.

Patients who develop Stevens Johnson Syndrome generally require hospitalization lasting several weeks to months, depending on the severity of symptoms. Patients are often treated in a hospital’s burn unit and treatment usually focuses on relieving SJS symptoms and keeping patients hydrated.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome Lawsuits

Dozens of SJS lawsuits have been filed against Zithromax manufacturer, claiming Pfizer violated consumer protection laws and failed to adequately warn the medical community and general public about the risks associated with taking Zithromax. Plaintiffs hope to recover money to help pay their medical bills and compensate victims for their pain and suffering through a Stevens Johnson Syndrome lawsuit or a Stevens Johnson Syndrome class action lawsuit.