Zithromax has been associated with numerous cases of Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), a severe and potentially fatal skin condition that causes the a person to burn from the inside out.

Zithromax (or Z-Pak) is only prescribed as 3 or 5 day antibiotic treatments, but some individuals have developed SJS or other dangerous side effects in spite of the short amount of time the drug is used.

What is Stevens Johnson Syndrome?

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is an autoimmune disease that presents as a severe allergic reaction to a prescription drug like Zithromax. SJS symptoms begin as flu-like side effects and a rash, but the SJS rash quickly spreads and turns into severe blisters. The blistering can become so severe that the patient will lose skin, leaving the body exposed for secondary infections as well as sepsis.

SJS may affect the skin as well as the mucous membranes of the body, such as the eyes, mouth, and genital area. These alleged Zithromax side effects may cover up to 30% of the body.

SJS is rare, but potentially deadly. 5%-15% of SJS cases are fatal. Most patients may have permanent scars or be left blind if the blisters spread to the eye membrane. 

If the rash and sores cover more than 30% of the body, the diagnosis changes to Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). Additionally, 30-40% of all TEN cases are fatal. The condition can cause the skin to fall off in large sheets due to the severity of the blisters. TEN patients are often treated in burn wards, as the wounds closely resemble burns.

The development of TEN has also been connected with Zithromax use.

Zithromax Side Effects

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is just one of many adverse side effects that users have claimed followed the use of Zithromax (or azithromycin). Other Zithromax side effects may include liver failure, kidney failure, birth defects, and other allergic reactions.

In 2012, the FDA warned Pfizer, the drug’s manufacturer, about their Zithromax promotional materials. The FDA claimed that the information minimized Zithromax side effects (such as Zithromax SJS) and over-promoted the efficiency of the antibiotic drug. Pfizer also allegedly marked the drug for off-label purposes.

Zithromax side effects have caused many to be concerned over the safety of the drug. Zithromax lawsuits have been filed against Pfizer accusing the drug maker of failing to warn against Zithromax SJS as well as other severe side effects.

Victims may hope to win compensation for their pain and suffering as well as for all of the medical expenses related to their Zithromax side effect. Plaintiffs may file for loss of consortium if Zithromax caused them to experience loss of intimacy with their spouse. Families of individuals who have died from Zithromax side effects may file a wrongful death lawsuit on their behalf.