Antibiotic azithromycin and Stevens Johnson Syndrome have been linked in rare, but possibly life-threatening, skin reactions.

Azithromycin (brand name Zithromax) can cause the painful allergic reaction that results in severe blistering of the skin and mucous membranes.

Azithromycin is a semi-synthetic antibiotic with azalide as its main ingredient.

It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, which means it can be effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as other pathogens.

Its ability to combat a variety of micro-organisms has made it a popular choice over the years.

It is often prescribed to treat strep throat, ear infections, sinus infections and pneumonia.

The Link Between Azithromycin and Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a severe allergic reaction to medication that begins with a fever and rash, but progresses to blistering, painful skin peeling and open sores.

The reaction can get out of control quickly, becoming fatal in 5% to 15% of cases.

If taking azithromycin and Stevens Johnson Syndrome develops, the patient experiences an excruciating chemical burn from the inside out.

Sores can even develop in the eyes, causing severe pain and blindness.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome can quickly progress to full-blown Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), causing victims to shed large sheets of skin that come off of the body in addition to painful sores in the mouth, eyes and vagina.

These mucous membranes fill up with fluid generated by the immune system in a severe allergic reaction to the medication.

When large areas of raw skin are exposed, the chances of the patient developing infection, sepsis (blood infection) and death increase.

Only 300 new cases of Stevens Johnson Syndrome are diagnosed each year in the United States, but they are all linked to medications.

In 2012, the FDA insisted that a warning be added to azithromycin that side effects such as Stevens Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, in addition to other serious skin reactions, could be possible.

Some patients go on to experience recurrent allergic reactions of azithromycin and Stevens Johnson Syndrome even after stopping the medication.

Azithromycin Side Effects

Azithromycin can cause side effects that include allergic skin rash, joint pain, swelling, itching, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness and abdominal pain.

In rare instances, it can cause liver damage, aggressive behavior, vaginal inflammation and anxiety.

The New England Journal of Medicine reported in 2012 that patients who used a 5-day course of azithromycin were twice as likely to die of a heart attack compared to those on a different antibiotic such as amoxicillin.

With so many bodily systems affected by the antibiotic, patients need to be aware of the possible side effects and take them seriously.

If you or someone you know has suffered from Stevens Johnson Syndrome after a course of azithromycin, you could be eligible for compensation through a lawsuit or class action lawsuit.