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

Azithromycin tablets, most commonly recognized as Zithromax, have quickly become a popularly prescribed antibiotic as the drug boasts a shorter prescription time than many other antibiotics on the market.

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

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

However, side effects of Azithromycin are numerous and include the rare but potentially fatal allergic 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 for more than 20 years, and is manufactured by Pfizer.

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 tablets translates to only a few days of treatment, versus a week or longer with many other antibiotics.

However, new evidence is arising that Azithromycin can lead to fatal antibiotic reactions such as Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

What is Stevens Johnson Syndrome?

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

The condition can affect the skin so much that a skin layer can literally slough off. Moreover, the patient’s eyesight can potentially be damaged. Patients who are lucky enough to survive their ordeal may potentially suffer permanent injury including scarring, sensitivity to light, and respiratory problems.

Azithromycin 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 SJS were discussed, including a 62-year-old woman who took Azithromycin for an upper respiratory infection that had developed Stevens Johnson Syndrome after.

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

The other patient mentioned in the study who developed Azithromycin SJS was a minor.

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 tablets, doctors and patients will be able to more closely examine interactions with the drug.

Those who have experienced an Azithromycin antibiotic reaction or lost a loved one from Steven Johnson Syndrome may also be entitled to file a Azithromycin lawsuit. Investigation may provide evidence that Azithromycin played a role in the patient’s injury or death.

An Azithromycin SJS lawsuit may also help patients recover financial compensation to cover the cost of medical bills accrued from the complications developed.