Zithromax has been linked to Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), which is a rare and potentially fatal medical disorder involving the skin and mucous membranes.

Technically, SJS disease is an immune-complex-mediated hypersensitivity condition, which basically means it occurs due to an allergic antibiotic rash. While SJS disease is usually caused by an allergic reaction to drugs, such as Zithromax, it can also be caused by a reaction to an infection or illness.

Zithromax Side Effects

As an antibiotic, Zithromax is most commonly used to treat ear, lung, skin, throat, and respiratory infections.  It is also prescribed for the treatment of certain sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Among the most common Zithromax side effects include loose stools or diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and nausea. Other less severe Zithromax side effects may also include loss of appetite, vaginal itching, skin rash, stomach cramps, and head pain.

However, Zithromax has also been targeted as the reason for some severe side effects, though these cases are said to be rare, including cardiovascular events or kidney failure. Additionally, one of the more serious risks of taking Zithromax is the development of a serious antibiotic rash, referred to as Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Zithromax Antibiotic Rash

When caused by an adverse reaction to Zithromax, Stevens Johnson Syndrome usually develops one to three weeks after taking the drug. Initially, Zithromax SJS patients develop an antibiotic rash. Then, a few days later, the antibiotic rash turns into skin lesions. The skin lesions tend to coalesce, creating large blisters.

A hallmark of SJS disease is epidermal detachment, meaning the infected patient’s skin starts to literally fall off in large sheets. Often, the affected area looks like an extensive burn. Due to this horrific side effect, Stevens Johnson Syndrome can be extremely morbid, possibly resulting in permanent scarring, blindness, or even death.

When Stevens Johnson Syndrome covers more than 30 percent of a patient’s body, the disease is known as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis or TEN.  TEN has a higher mortality rate than SJS, with only about 30 percent of patients surviving.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome does not discriminate. It can happen to anyone, of any age, who takes a prescription drug like Zithromax or over-the-counter medications. Unfortunately, often times children fall victim to SJS. Children as young as three years old have died from complications of Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Zithromax SJS Lawsuit Information

Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) often develops after use of certain pharmaceutical drugs like Zithromax. Toxic Epidural Necrolysis (TEN) is a more severe form of SJS. Oftentimes, the drug companies downplay the risks or fail to warn of the potential antibiotic rash risks in order to continue reaping large profits from sales.

If you or a loved one developed Zithromax side effects like SJS disease or TEN, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. An experienced Zithromax SJS lawyer can investigate you or your loved one’s injuries or illness and help determine if Zithromax harmed you.