Azithromycin, a common antibiotic, may trigger a rare and potentially fatal Azithromycin skin reaction known as Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Most commonly recognized under the brand name Zithromax, generic azithromycin has quickly become a popularly prescribed antibiotic, boasting a shorter prescription time than many other antibiotics on the market.

The drug is manufactured and marketed by pharmaceutical giant, Pfizer Inc., and has been prescribed to over 40 million patients worldwide.

The antibiotic is widely prescribed to treat numerous types of infections and illnesses including pneumonia, strep throat, tonsillitis, STDs, ear infections, and staph infections.

However, side effects of azithromycin are numerous and include the rare but potentially fatal Azithromycin skin reaction known as Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Azithromycin Specifics

Azithromycin is a potent antibiotic drug used to treat a range of common infections. It has been available under various names for more than 20 years.

Due to its potency, patients can take fewer doses in order to treat the same types of infections treated by other antibiotics. The powerful nature of azithromycin translates to only a few days of treatment, versus a week or longer with many other antibiotics.

However, new evidence is arising that the drug can lead to a SJS azithromycin skin reaction.

What is Stevens Johnson Syndrome?

Stevens Johnson Syndrome, or SJS, is a potentially fatal allergic skin reaction to some medications, which includes azithromycin. SJS skin reaction symptoms often start with fever, headache, sore throat and other flu-like symptoms, and progress to skin lesions and blisters.

An SJS azithromycin skin reaction can affect the skin to such a point that the skin can literally slough off. As it attacks mucous membranes, the patient’s eyesight can also potentially be damaged.

Patients who are lucky enough to survive their ordeal are potentially stuck with permanent injuries including scarring, sensitivity to light, and respiratory problems.

Azithromycin Skin Reaction: SJS

Side effects of azithromycin reportedly include an increased risk of Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Multiple reports have linked the azithromycin side effects and the development of Stevens Johnson Syndrome, including a 2006 study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information.

In this azithromycin study, two cases of azithromycin skin reaction were discussed, including a 62-year-old woman who took azithromycin for an upper respiratory infection and developed Stevens Johnson Syndrome after.

The woman developed a severe rash, flu-like symptoms and discoloration around her eyes. Luckily, after intense treatment, she recovered.

The other patient mentioned in the study who developed the SJS azithromycin skin reaction was a child.

Azithromycin SJS Lawsuits

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is rare condition and treatment is extensive and painful.

However, as new information and research surfaces on the increased dangers of azithromycin use, doctors and patients will be able to more closely examine interactions with the drug.

Those who have experienced an azithromycin skin reaction or lost a loved one from Steven Johnson Syndrome may be entitled to file a azithromycin skin reaction lawsuit. An azithromycin skin reaction lawsuit may also help patients recover financial compensation to cover the cost of medical bills accrued from the complications developed.