Antibiotic azithromycin (brand name Zithromax) allegedly could instigate a painful allergic reaction called Stevens Johnson Syndrome, which causes severe blistering of the skin and mucous membranes.

Azithromycin was developed by Croatian researchers in 1980 at the same time Pfizer scientists were creating it U.S. Azithromycin is a semi-synthetic antibiotic with azalide as its main ingredient.

It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, which means it can be effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as other pathogens. Azithromycin is often prescribed to treat strep throat, respiratory infections and pneumonia.

What Is Stevens Johnson Syndrome?

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a severe allergic reaction to medication that begins with a fever and rash, but progresses to blistering, painful skin peeling, open sores, and it can be fatal in 5% to 15% of cases.

In Stevens Johnson Syndrome, the skin experiences an excruciating chemical burn from the inside out. Sores can even develop in the eyes, causing severe pain and blindness.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome can quickly progress to full-blown Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), causing victims to shed large sheets of skin that come off of the body in addition to painful sores in the mouth, eyes and vagina.

These mucous membranes react the same way the skin does, by filling up with fluid generated by the immune system in a severe allergic reaction to the medication. When large areas of raw skin are exposed, the chances of the patient developing infection, sepsis (blood infection) and death increase.

Even though only 300 new cases of Stevens Johnson Syndrome are diagnosed each year in the United States, they are all linked to medications, and the cause can be an antibiotic reaction.

In many instances, a class action lawsuit against the drug manufacturer is the only way patients receive compensation for their medical bills, pain and suffering and other expenses.

Azithromycin Side Effects

Azithromycin can cause side effects that include allergic skin rash, joint pain, swelling, itching, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness and abdominal pain. In rare instances, it can cause liver damage, aggressive behavior, vaginal inflammation and anxiety.

Presumably, azithromycin side effects can affect many different organs and systems in the body.

NIH Documents Azithromycin SJS Cases

A 62-year-old woman was admitted for evaluation of a severe rash. Ten days prior to admission she was taking a course of azithromycin for upper respiratory tract infection.

After a few days she was feeling better but a flat, discolored rash developed over her palms, accompanied by fever and chills as well as reddish discoloration around her eyes.

Within a few days, the rash had spread to her feet. Routine blood tests ruled out inflammatory rheumatic disease. She was having an antibiotic reaction.

To reduce the inflammation, she was given methylprednisolone for what was diagnosed as Stevens Johnson Syndrome. Fortunately, her condition improved in several days as her fever went away and her skin lesions gradually disappeared.

The National Institutes of Health documented the woman’s case and that of a child who developed Stevens Johnson Syndrome after taking a course of azithromycin.

If you or someone you know has suffered from Stevens Johnson Syndrome after a course of azithromycin, you could be eligible for compensation through a class action lawsuit.