Many patients take Zithromax for bacterial infections without experiencing adverse side effects. However, in rare cases, the popular antibiotic can lead to a serious condition known as Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome, or SJS, is a painful, debilitating, and potentially deadly condition whose symptoms mainly affect the skin. It first manifests with flu-like symptoms like headache, fever, cough and body aches. Within a few days, areas of rash and blisters appear on the skin. If SJS progresses to the point that the blisters coalesce to cover large areas of skin, the condition is referred to as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, or TEN. At that point, these large areas of skin may slough off, exposing the body to heavy loss of fluids and electrolytes, and possible infection. More advanced cases of SJS or TEN may result in a patient’s death. Zithromax has been known to cause both SJS and TEN.

Similar symptoms as those on the skin can affect the mucous membranes such as those of the genitals or the inside of the mouth. Eye symptoms are also common with SJS and Keratoconjunctivitis is a common secondary condition. Hair and nails may also fall out during the progression of Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Treatment typically consists of hospitalization and monitoring, often in a hospital’s burn unit due to the similarity of SJS symptoms with those of severe burns. There is some controversy over whether administering corticosteroids is a suitable treatment for SJS and TEN. Otherwise, treatment generally involves simply stopping the offending medication and monitoring the patient for complications while the body slowly heals itself over several days or weeks.

Over half of cases of SJS and nearly all cases of TEN originate as reactions to a drug. Zithromax is one of many different types of drugs that may cause these conditions.

Zithromax SJS

Zithromax is Pfizer Inc.’s brand name for azithromycin, a powerful antibiotic. The same antibiotic is also available under the name Zmax. It works by preventing bacteria from reproducing — as opposed to bactericidal antibiotics, which actually kill the bacteria. It commonly comes in small packs of 3-day or 5-day supply and is sometimes labeled Z-Pak. Because it tends to stick around in the body for some time, a course of Zithromax usually takes just a few days. Since it first received FDA approval in 1991, Zithromax has brought Pfizer decent profits, with sales in the United States totaling $435 million in 2012, even with competition from generic azithromycin.

Zithromax’s most notorious side effect could be its tendency to cause irregular heart rhythms that can be fatal, for which the FDA issued warning statements in May 2012 and March 2013. However, it is also one of the many drugs that may lead to SJS.

Though Zithromax SJS is rare, when it occurs it can be devastating to a patient and the patient’s family. Patients’ lives are disrupted for weeks at a time. Extended hospitalization can rack up substantial medical expenses while at the same time preventing the patient from working. The pain and suffering can also be profound, and relationships with spouses can take a hit. A Zithromax lawsuit is one possible avenue for those who have suffered from Zithromax Stevens Johnson Syndrome to seek compensation. Attorneys are available to counsel patients who suffered SJS following a course of Zithromax.