Zithromax (azithromycin) is an antibiotic sold by Pfizer and used for mild to moderate infections.

Also known as “Zmax” and “Z-Pak,” the drug became popular in the 1990s because it treated infections in only five days. Prior to Zithromax’s release, infection treatments typically took nine or more days. Zithromax is an effective, short-term treatment, so patients began specifically requesting it from their physicians.

Recently, however, the effectiveness of Zithromax has decreased as particular strains of bacterial infection have built up resistance to it. Additionally, Zithromax has been over-prescribed. For example, while only 10 percent of sore throats require treatment with antibiotics, Zithromax has reportedly been prescribed to 60 percent of patients with sore throat symptoms.

In 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning that Zithromax can lead to Steven Johnson Syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal skin condition that can lead to scarring, eye damage, and sometimes death.

What Is Stevens Johnson Syndrome?

Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a rare and potentially fatal allergic reaction to medication, like Zithromax. Patients with Stevens Johnson Syndrome suffer skin lesions and blisters over their body, which result in skin sloughing off.

They may suffer internal burning, damage to their internal organs and mucous membranes, permanent vision damage, loss of hair and nails, permanent scarring and respiratory problems. Common symptoms of Zithromax SJS include:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Ulcers and other lesions
• Conjunctivitis of the eyes
• Rash
• Itching
• Joint aches
• Dry, itchy, or burning eyes

Some serious complications include loss of body fluids, shock, inflammation of the lungs, kidneys, liver, and heart, permanent skin damage and scarring, and death. Recovery can take weeks to months.

Zithromax Linked To SJS

Zithromax side effects reportedly include an increased risk of Zithromax SJS and at least one report has linked Zithromax side effects and the development of Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Zithromax was linked to Steven Johnson Syndrome in one study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information. In that study, two cases of Zithromax SJS were discussed, including a 62-year-old woman who took Zithromax for an upper respiratory infection and developed SJS. The woman developed a rash on her hands, fever, chills, and discoloration around her eyes.

After treatment with corticosteroids, the woman made a full recovery. The other patient who developed SJS after using Zithromax in this study was a child.

Zithromax Lawsuits

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is rare condition and is seldom reported. While drug labels typically do warn of severe allergic reactions, they typically do not warn of Steven Johnson Syndrome itself.

They do not list it, how serious it is, how often it occurs, or what the symptoms are. People who have suffered from Stevens Johnson Syndrome after taking medications like Zithromax have filed lawsuits against the drug manufacturers, alleging that the drugs were not labeled adequately to warn about the occurrence of Stevens Johnson Syndrome.