Most medications provide those who properly follow prescription directions with an opportunity to stave off an illness, combat cancer, or reduce the risk of heart disease. However, there are times when these same drugs can lead to injuries, even when the patient meticulously follows prescription directions. Reports have linked side effects of Zithromax, a popular antibiotic, with the development of Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), a potentially fatal skin condition.

Zithromax (also marketed as Zmax and known as Azithromycin) has become a popular antibiotic medication because it tends to work faster than other antibiotics in the pharmaceutical market and generally requires a shorter prescription period. Zithromax is often prescribed to treat respiratory infections, skin infections, and sexually transmitted diseases. A Z-Pak is also often prescribed to children to treat middle ear infections, pneumonia, and tonsillitis. Manufactured by Pfizer Inc., this drug has been prescribed to over 40 million patients since Zithromax’s introduction to the North American drug market.

Although Zithromax was originally approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a safe and efficient antibiotic treatment for various bacterial infections, the federal agency has since updated its assessment of the Pfizer drug, mandating the use of warning labels when the drug is prescribed in light of the known Zithromax side effects, such as Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Zithromax and Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Research published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information studied the link between Zithromax and a rare disease called Stevens Johnson Syndrome. Stevens Johnson Syndrome, also called Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) in more severe cases, usually presents as an allergic reaction to certain medications.

The Zithromax SJS study investigates the link between Zithromax and the development of SJS in two azithromycin patients, one patient being a 62-year-old female and the other a young child. This potential link is especially worrisome to researchers, as SJS results in death about 30 percent of the time, and it can develop at any time during Zithromax treatment. A Zithromax SJS reaction can occur even after the patient has used a particular drug for a long time with no adverse reaction.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome usually begins with a fever, sore throat and headache. As the condition progresses, the patient develops skin lesions and blisters. The patient’s mucous membranes in the mouth and throat can be affected, as can the eyelids. Eventually, the patient often loses the majority of her skin as the layer of dermis sloughs off. Some patients suffer internal burning as well, which can cause severe damage to internal organs. Many patients with SJS are treated in hospital burn units because of the loss of skin and risk of infection.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome can be fatal. In situations where it is not fatal, the patient often suffers long-term side effects including blindness, sensitivity to light, loss of hair, scarring, loss of nails, and respiratory problems.

Zithromax SJS Lawsuits

Zithromax can have harmful side effects for children as well as adults, including risk of Stevens Johnson Syndrome. Patients that do survive Zithromax SJS tend to have permanent injuries that include scarring, difficultly eating, and vision problems. It can take months of medical treatment to recover from SJS. At least one Zithromax lawsuit has been filed, claiming the manufacturer did not properly warn consumers about dangerous side effects associated with the antibiotic.