The antibiotic Zithromax has been linked with the potentially fatal Stevens Johnson Syndrome, according to recent studies.

Zithromax (azithromycin)  is produced and sold by the drug manufacturing giant Pfizer Inc., and it has become one of the most widely-prescribed antibiotics across the country.

However, recent studies have linked Zithromax with an increased risk of Stevens Johnson Syndrome. Several Zithromax SJS lawsuits have been filed by patients over allegations that Pfizer failed to adequately warn about these risks.

Zithromax Warnings

Zithromax is an antibiotic used by adults and children for different kinds of bacterial infections. Zithromax was first approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1991.

Zithromax includes many warnings about potential side effects. Some of these side effects can be extreme and consumers should be aware of them prior to ingesting Zithromax.

Consumers allege that one Zithromax side effects not included on its warning label includes the life-threatening skin rash known as Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

What is Zithromax SJS?

When a Zithromax user has contracted SJS, the epidermis (top layer of skin) blisters and peels severely. This generally occurs a few weeks after the patient’s initial usage of Zithromax. These blisters and rashes cause extreme pain and can cause eye problems or internal organ damage. In most cases of Zithromax SJS, patients are left with significant and often disfiguring scarring.

Zithromax SJS patients are often treated in the hospital’s burn unit because Zithromax SJS symptoms are similar to severe burns.

Patients should be aware that the dangers of Zithromax SJS don’t stop with the condition itself – SJS side effects can lead to infections that can be life-threatening.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome rashes and blisters can spread across up to 30 percent of a patient’s skin. Eventually, the top layer of affected skin dies and sheds off. Cases of Zithromax SJS are severe and should be considered a medical emergency. Recovery from Zithromax SJS can take weeks to months.

Zithromax SJS is a life-threatening condition – between 5 and 15 percent of patients die from the condition.

What is Zithromax TEN?

Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) is a more severe form of SJS. An SJS patient whose blisters and rashes cover more than 30 percent of the skin has progressed to the more severe form of SJS, TEN.

Zithromax TEN is even more dangerous than SJS. The mortality rate of patients with TEN is over 40 percent.

It is essential that Zithromax users are aware of the symptoms of Zithromax SJS and TEN so that they can seek medical help as soon as possible.

Zithromax SJS Symptoms

• Facial swelling
• Tongue swelling
• Hives
• Skin pain
• Red or purple skin rash, spreading within hours to days
• Blisters on skin, mouth, nose, and/or eyes
• Shedding of skin

Zithromax SJS Lawsuits

Multiple lawsuits claim that Zithromax caused medical and financial harm due to SJS and that it is Pfizer’s legal responsibility to adequately warn medical professionals and consumers alike of the risks associated with their products.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis after taking Zithromax, you may be able to file a Zithromax SJS lawsuit.