Product liability attorneys are currently looking for potential plaintiffs who have suffered from Zithromax side effects. Pharmaceutical manufacturers are required by law to disclose all risks associated with taking their products. Zithromax’s pharmaceutical manufacturer, Pfizer, has faced several legal issues in recent years due to misleading advertising and its failure to warn the medical community and general public about risks associated with their medications.

Zithromax, generically known as azythromycin, is a popular antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections. Medical professionals often prescribe the medication to treat respiratory infections, skin infections, ear infections and some sexually transmitted diseases. Azythromycin is sold under several names including Z-Pak, Zmax, and Zithromax.

Some of the serious Zithromax side effects include liver failure, kidney disease, allergic reactions, and lesions and blisters in the mouth, throat, and eyes. In some cases azythromycin can cause Stevens Johnson Syndrome or even Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a rare but serious condition affecting the skin and mucous membranes. Symptoms can take various forms. For some people the condition first develops as flu-like symptoms (fever, sore mouth and throat, fatigue, cough and burning eyes). After a few days symptoms become more physical. A patient may develop widespread skin pain, facial swelling, blisters and hives on the skin and mucous membranes, hives, tongue swelling, and/or a quick spreading red or purplish rash. In severe cases Stevens Johnson Syndrome may develop into Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis. Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis generally shares the same symptoms as Stevens Johnson Syndrome but symptoms cover a much larger area of the body. In both cases, severe conditions can result in the sloughing off of skin.

Although doctors don’t always know the exact cause of the disease, it is often the result of an allergic reaction or a viral infection. Several drugs can cause Stevens Johnson Syndrome including medications to treat seizures, anti-gout medications, pain relievers (such as Tylenol and Advil), and medications to fight infections such as azythromycin. Doctors have also found that certain genetic markers predispose people to developing Stevens Johnson Syndrome. The gene is called HLA-B 1502 and is most commonly found in families of Chinese, Southeast Asian, or Indian descent

Treatment for Stevens Johnson Syndrome is focused on relieving a patient’s symptoms. Treatment generally requires hospitalization that can last from weeks to months depending on the severity of symptoms. If a patient is taking a medication and begins to experience any of the symptoms listed above they should seek medical attention immediately.

Zithromax Steven Johnson Syndrome Lawsuits

Plaintiffs are filing Zithromax lawsuits across the United States. These lawsuits generally allege that Pfizer violated consumer protection laws. Claims against Pfizer include breach of warranty, negligence, strict products liability, and fraud and deceit. Awards and settlements from these Zithromax lawsuits will help patients pay both past and future medical bills. While nothing can truly erase the pain and suffering these victims endured, compensation received from these lawsuits is a start.