Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a potentially fatal allergic reaction to medication such as the antibiotic Zithromax. Zithromax SJS can arise at any time and  can occur even after the patient has used the medication for a long time with no adverse reaction.

What is Zithromax?

Zithromax, widely known as a Z-Pak, is a powerful antibiotic manufactured by pharmaceutical giant Pfizer. First approved by the FDA in 1992, Zithromax is used to treat bacterial infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and infections of the ears, lungs and other organs. Since FDA approval, its use has expanded to include treatment of sexually transmitted diseases and middle-ear infections in children. As an antibiotic, it is not effective in treating viral infections such as a cold or the flu.

Zithromax SJS Warnings

The FDA has warned Pfizer for failing to include adequate warnings about the risk of SJS in Zithromax brochures. The agency states that even though the Zithromax warning label mentions SJS, the Zithromax brochure does not discuss the severity of the condition and does not explain that SJS can cause large areas of skin to blister and peel, leading open sores and infection. The Zithromax brochures also fail to explain that in TEN, large areas of the skin may detach from the body and lesions can develop in the mucous membranes.

The warning label on Zithromax reads: “Serious allergic reactions, including angioedema, anaphylaxis, Stevens Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis have been reported rarely in patients on azithromycin therapy using other formulations. Although rare, fatalities have been reported.” The warning label also says that in some patients, the symptoms of SJS or TEN can come back even though they stop taking the drug. However, this information is not included in the brochures.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Stevens Johnson Syndrome, referred to as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) in more serious cases, usually begins with a fever, sore throat, and headache. As SJS and TEN progress, patients develop skin lesions and blisters. SJS and TEN can affect mucous membranes in the mouth, throat, and eyelids. Eventually, the majority of patients’ skin may slough off.

In addition to external blistering some patients suffer internal burning, which can severely damage internal organs. Many patients with SJS and TEN are treated in hospital burn units because the loss of skin and risk of infection are similar to injuries incurred by burn victims.

SJS and TEN can be fatal. In situations where they are not fatal, patients often suffer long-term effects, including blindness, sensitivity to light, loss of hair, scarring, loss of nails, and respiratory problems.

Zithromax SJS Lawsuits

Although rare, the effects of SJS and TEN are painful and sometimes deadly. Victims may have to contend with permanent issues, such as heightened light sensitivity, for the rest of their lives.

Affected consumers and family members have filed Zithromax lawsuits against Pfizer alleging the company did not adequately warn patients about the risks associated with using Zithromax. Some of the Zithromax injury lawsuits have resulted in awards compensating patients for their medical bills, as well as the pain and suffering they endured.