Zithromax (azithromycin), also know as Zmax or Z-pax, is one the most popular antibiotics, but it has also been linked to several severe medication side effects.

This drug is typically prescribed to treat skin infections, pneumonia, and even certain sexually transmitted diseases, but a number of patients have reportedly suffered serious medication side effects.

These severe medication side effects include liver damage, kidney failure, blindness, Stevens Johnson Syndrome, and heart attacks. Several patients have filed Zithromax lawsuits against Pfizer for failing to warn them against these side effects.

Zithromax Side Effects

Among the complications alleged in Zithromax lawsuits is liver damage and kidney failure, with the former being more common. Liver damage from antibiotics has been a concern in the medical community for years, with Z-pak liver damage being especially prevalent.

A 2013 study from the National Library of Health Medicine found that there was a one percent to two percent increased risk of Z-pak liver damage compared to other antibiotics.

In addition, those who have suffered an allergic reaction to Azithromycin may also qualify to file a lawsuit. There are a number of other medications linked to Stevens Johnson Syndrome, with patients naming them in other drug lawsuits.

Other Drugs Associated

The popular anticonvulsant medication Lamictal has been linked to SJS as well, putting manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline at the center of several drug lawsuits. Lamictal SJS has been reported in just as many adults as children, with a recent drug lawsuit filed on behalf of a high school girl who suffered a Lamcital SJS attack in 2009.

While Gabrielle C. survived her ordeal, she sustained serious burns and had to be treated in the hospital’s intensive care unit.

Another popular antiepilpetic drug in America, Dilantin, has been named as an instigator of severe side effects in drug lawsuits for almost as long as its been on the market in the 1960s. Also manufactured by Pfizer, this drug has been associated with a number of children and adults who suffered SJS.

In one example, an 11-year-old patient had survived his Dilantin SJS ordeal but may have suffered permanent vision damage as a result. Many drug lawsuit lawyers note that a number of common remedies are linked to SJS including: Zmax, Z-pak, Azithromycin, Dilantin, Lamictal, cold remedies, and other antibiotics.

These other antibiotics include the quinolone medication family, which includes Avelox (moxifloxacin) and Cipro (ciproflaxin).  At this time, medical experts are unsure as to what causes these adverse reactions in specific patients but believe it may be linked to autoimmune reactions.

Similar to other medications, these drugs have put their respective manufacturing companies in the spotlight for allegedly failing to warn patients against this complication.

How to Get Help

As mentioned earlier, there have been numerous patients effected by adverse drug reactions that have turned to legal action. A number of Zithromax lawsuits have been filed against Pfizer for SJS allegations and other complications. Potential claimants should contact a specialized lawyer to see if they are eligible to file a Zithromax lawsuit.