Painful skin reactions have been allegedly reported from using azithromycin (brand name Zithromax), including the extreme allergic reaction Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS).

Even though this extremely popular antibiotic is often prescribed for urinary tract infections, sinus infections, pneumonia, and ear infections, the reports of azithromycin skin side effects are troubling to the medical community.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is an extremely rare allergic skin reaction specifically caused by medications, often characterized by red or purple skin lesions.

These lesions then detach from the body, creating a melting like appearance, which exposes the patient to potential infection.

Along with severe skin damage, Stevens Johnson Syndrome can also attack mucus membranes and induce organ damage.

Overall, Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a potentially fatal condition that can compound rapidly if not promptly treated.

This condition has been linked to at least 100 medications, with no patient pattern distinguishable enough for medical experts to product which patients may be at higher risk.

Some studies have suggested patients with drug sensitivity or who are of Eastern Asian descent may be more vulnerable.

Overview of Azithromycin Skin Side Effects

However due to how little is known about the specific trigger of this reaction, it is vital for patients to understand the risks associated with azithromycin skin side effects.

With approximately 300 cases of Stevens Johnson Syndrome diagnosed per year, along with how frequently azithromycin skin side effects reportedly develop into SJS, it is important for patients and the medical community to understand the risk.

Patients who suffer SJS often have to contend with permanent skin damage, with some patients requiring skin grafts while in recovery.

Patients at risk for SJS should be wary of when the condition may occur and what the first signs of it may be. Stevens Johnson Syndrome normally occurs within the first few weeks of starting the medication, and it begins with flu like symptoms.

In addition, any occurrence of skin side effects while on azithromycin should be reported to the doctor as it could be the beginning stages of a serious drug reaction.

Even though these side effects can be potentially dangerous for patients, warnings from Pfizer Inc. and generic manufacturing companies may not adequately disclose this information to the public.

Patients who suffer SJS or other azithromycin skin side effects may be able to file legal action alleging these companies failed to warn the public.

Potential claimants should contact a knowledgeable azithromycin lawyer to determine eligibility for an azithromycin SJS lawsuit.