Zithromax has become one of the most widely-prescribed antibiotics in the United States, but it has also been the subject of recent studies and reports linking the popular antibiotic to Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS).

Thousands of Americans have responded to the information by suing drug manufacturer Pfizer Inc. for failing to adequately warn about the potential increased risk of developing Zithromax SJS.

Background of Zithromax

Zithromax (azithromycin) is a medicine used by adults and children for different kinds of bacterial infections. Zithromax was approved for use by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1991.

Adults may take Zithromax due to respiratory infections or sexually transmitted diseases, while children may take the drug to fight off ear infections or pneumonia. Zithromax includes many warnings about potential side effects, some of which can be extreme, and consumers should be aware of them prior to ingesting Zithromax.

In recent years, however, Zithromax has been tied Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, a very serious negative side effect not included on their warning label.

What is Stevens Johnson Syndrome?

Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a rare disorder, but is nonetheless a serious one. SJS is an allergic reaction, affecting skin and mucous membranes. SJS often produces a red or purple rash, spreading and blistering across up to 30 percent of the skin.

Eventually the rash reaches a point where the top layer of affected skin dies and sheds off. SJS rashes are similar to major burns, and patients with SJS are often in serious enough condition that they need to be treated in the hospital’s burn unit.

Zithromax Stevens-Johnson Syndrome should be considered a medical emergency, and requires hospital treatment. Recovery can take weeks to months.

Additionally, Zithromax SJS is a life-threatening condition, as 5 percent to 15 percent of Zithromax SJS patients die from the condition. Those who do survive their experience with Zithromax SJS are usually left with serious scarring and other side effects.

A more severe form of SJS is called Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), which has also been reported as a Zithromax side effect. TEN is a more advanced version of SJS. Zithromax SJS becomes Zithromax TEN when more than 30 percent of the skin is covered by blisters and rashes.

While Zithromax SJS is life-threatening, TEN is even more dangerous. The risk of fatality for patients with TEN is somewhere between 30 and 40 percent.

Zithromax SJS symptoms include:

• facial swelling
• tongue swelling
• skin pain
• a red or purple skin rash that spreads within hours to days
• blisters and shedding of skin
• hives

Zithromax Stevens Johnson Syndrome Lawsuits

More and more cases of Zithromax SJS have led thousands of patients and their families to file Zithromax SJS lawsuits for lack of adequate warning.

These Zithromax SJS lawsuits claim that Zithromax has at the very least caused medical and financial harm due to SJS, and that it is Pfizer’s legal responsibility to adequately warn medical professionals and consumers alike of the risks associated with their products.

If you or someone you know has experienced these symptoms or has been diagnosed with SJS or TEN after taking Zithromax, you may have reason to file a Zithromax SJS lawsuit.