A less common, yet severe, side effect of Zithromax is a disease called Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), which is an allergic reaction to the drug.

While a few infections may cause this condition on its own, Stevens Johnson Syndrome is most widely considered a secondary disease that is typically caused by pharmaceutical and over-the-counter drugs.

Initially, SJS symptoms mimic a flu or virus, with fever, sore throat and achiness. SJS then affects the skin and mucous membranes of the body, causing severe blistering and loss of skin, and often damages internal organs as well.

SJS is a medical emergency and requires hospitalization to manage the symptoms. Often patients experience such severe reactions that their needs must be met in the hospital burn unit or intensive care unit.

A more severe forms of SJS is Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). In addition to the widespread blistering and skin death, TEN encompasses even more of the body’s skin, 30 percent or more, and there is increased infection and inflammation, often involving the heart, lung, kidney or liver. Permanent organ damage, blindness, and even death can occur from TEN.

How Zithromax Works

Zithromax (generic, azythromycin) is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial diseases of the respiratory tract, skin and ear infections and sexually transmitted diseases.

Zithromax is manufactured by Pfizer Inc. and belongs to a class of antibiotics called macrolides. Rather than killing off bacteria as a traditional antibiotic would, this class of antibiotics prevents the bacteria from multiplying and growing.

The immune system is then allowed to gain control of the bacteria and kill them on its own. Physicians and patients alike favor the use of Zithromax (also called Zmax or Z-Pak) for a wide number of clinical applications because of its ease of dosage over other antibiotics.

The Z-Pak is conveniently packaged for dosing over five days, about half of the time as a traditional antibiotic course. Some are also given as a single large dose, and there are also three day regimens as well. Patients are more likely to comply with treatment since the duration is much shorter.

 Side Effects of Zithromax

Most patients tolerate Zithromax well, and those who do experience side effects usually note only mild side effects.

The most common Zithromax side effects include:

•  Abdominal pain or upset
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Decreased sense of smell
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Hearing abnormalities or ringing in ears
• Insomnia
• Mild rash or itching
• Nausea or vomiting

As with nearly all drugs, severe side effects have been reported as well. The most common serious side effect of Zithromax is heart problems.

Zithromax can alter heart rhythms (called cardiac arrhythmia) that can potentially be fatal. The FDA revised the drug warning label to include the most recent information about heart issues resulting from Zithromax usage in 2012.

 Zithromax Lawsuits

Consumers of Zithromax who experienced SJS as a side effect feel that the product had insufficient safety warnings for the kind of serious issue they faced.

Zithromax lawsuits have been filed against the drug manufacturer for their lack of transparency on the serious risks associated with their pharmaceutical drug.

If you or a loved one has taken Zithromax and has developed Stevens Johnson Syndrome, you may be entitled to compensation. Experienced attorneys are available to assist you by providing a no-risk consultation to discuss your individual situation.