Azithromycin (known under the brand name Zithromax) is a widely prescribed antibiotic used for the treatment of a number of different bacterial infections.

Such infections include upper respiratory infections, skin infections, urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted infections.

The drug works differently than most antibiotics because its main method of action is not killing bacteria. Instead, azithromycin works by halting the reproduction of bacteria in the body. Once the bacteria are no longer multiplying at an alarming rate, the body’s own immune system can then take over and handle the infection on its own.

As with any prescription drug, side effects are common but most are transitory in nature and disappear soon after the drug is discontinued. However, some more severe issues are linked with the antibiotic, and one such reported azithromycin side effect is Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Azithromycin and Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is an adverse allergic drug reaction that is caused by a number of different medications, with azithromycin being potentially one of them. The reaction starts out usually with flu-like symptoms and can easily be dismissed as the effects of the infection itself, or a minor adjustment of the body to a new drug.

Fever, aches, chills, fatigue and sore throat are commonly seen at the onset of an SJS reaction. As the flu-like symptoms begin to wane, the characteristic SJS rash soon begins developing. Typically, the red or purple blisters appear first in the mucous membranes – areas such as the mouth, nose, eyes, genital area and anus.

The rash then spreads to various areas of skin and can appear anywhere on the body. The rash causes the skin to blister and peel away from the deeper layers of the skin, causing the more vulnerable lower layers to be exposed. A patient may look like he or she has burns covering the body.

In Stevens Johnson Syndrome, up to 30 percent of the skin is affected. In a more advanced form of the condition, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), the body is covered at over 30 percent.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a medical emergency and hospitalization is required to stabilize the patient. Patients are often treated in the intensive care unit or in the hospital’s burn unit, if available.

There is no cure for Stevens Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis. Patients presenting with these conditions are supported with palliative treatment to allow their situation to stabilize. Pain management, hydration and nutrition, infection prevention and general support care is used.

Some patients recover fully in a matter of weeks with little lasting effects while others must remain hospitalized for months and suffer severe permanent damage. Blindness, organ damage and failure and severe infection are some of the serious long-term effects that may result from SJS and TEN.

Azithromycin SJS Lawsuit Information

If you or a loved one has experienced Stevens Johnson Syndrome as a result of azithromycin use, you may qualify for legal compensation. An experienced drug injury attorney can review your case at no charge and can help you identify which legal options are available to you.