Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a rare but serious condition of the skin and mucus membranes.  The disease usually begins with flu-like symptoms and quickly develops into skin symptoms.  Symptoms of SJS include hives, facial swelling, blisters on the skin and mucus membrane, and the shedding of large patches of skin.

In serious cases, the victim may develop toxic epidermal necrolysis or (TEN).  TEN has the same symptoms as Stevens Johnson Syndrome but covers a much larger area of the body.   Victims are usually treated in the burn ward of the hospital and often require extensive hospitalization.

What causes Stevens Johnson Syndrome and TEN?

While medical professionals may not be able to determine the exact cause of Stevens Johnson Syndrome and TEN there are several different triggers.  In many cases Stevens Johnson Syndrome is triggered by medications such as pain relievers, seizure medications, and antibiotics such as azithromycin (the generic form of Zithromax, made by Pfizer) .  Many medical professionals believe that Stevens Johnson Syndrome is caused by an allergic reaction to the medication.

Other causes of Stevens Johnson Syndrome can include various infectious diseases including pneumonia, HIV and hepatitis.  Certain factors can increase a patient’s risk of developing Stevens Johnson Syndrome. These factors include a weakened immune system, viral infections, a family history of Stevens Johnson Syndrome, or a genetic predisposition.

What is Azithromycin?

Azithromycin is a popular antibiotic prescribed by medical professional to treat various types of bacterial infections.  These infections include bronchitis, pneumonia, ear infections, and some sexually transmitted diseases.

Rather than killing bacteria as most antibiotics do, azithromycin works by halting the replication of bacteria, thereby stopping the infection in its tracks. In this way, the immune system can begin to take over the infection more easily on its own.

Azithromycin Side Effects and Risks of Developing Stevens Johnson Syndrome

In June of 2012 the FDA issued a drug warning letter to Pfizer about its misleading advertising of azithromycin.   In 2010, a patient named Velma suffered from serious azithromycin side effects.  While taking azithromycin, Velma began to suffer a quickly spreading red and purple rash.  Unfortunately for Velma, the rash quickly developed into Stevens Johnson Syndrome.  According to Velma’s daughter, Velma looked as if she had boiling water poured over her skin.

Azithromycin Lawsuits

People who have suffered serious azithromycin side effects may be able to bring a lawsuit against the manufacturer.  Successful plaintiffs may receive compensation for their pain and suffering as well as their past and future medical bills. Bringing a lawsuit is a big decision that should be made after consideration of all the facts and circumstances of the individual’s case.  An azithromycin attorney can help potential plaintiffs asses the validity of their legal claims.

Consumer protection attorneys are currently looking for potential plaintiffs to bring azithromycin lawsuits against the pharmaceutical manufacturer. The lawsuits will likely allege that the medication caused serious azithromycin side effects such as Stevens Johnson Syndrome.