Zithromax (azithromycin) has been one of the best selling antibiotics in the United States for over past 20 years and is used to treat numerous bacterial infections.

Manufactured by Pfizer, Zithromax earned FDA approval in 1992 and has been approved to treat a variety of bacterial infections including middle ear infections, urinary infections, respiratory infections and certain sexually transmitted diseases.

However, Zithromax has been associated with a number of severe side effects, including cardiac complications and Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS).

The popularity of Zithromax stems from its unique treatment mechanism and short prescription requirement, making it incredibly popular amongst parents and children. Compared to traditional antibiotics, Zithromax works by inhibiting the bacterial cells’ reproductive system and rather than killing bacteria, no new bacteria form, thus alowing the body’s natural immune defenses to take over and heal the infection.

Zithromax is most often prescribed in five day intervals, rather than the ten days typically associated with antibiotics. Before the release of generic forms, Zithromax had garnered billions for Pfizer and still earned hundreds of millions for the company with the brand name drug following the release of its generic counterparts.

The popularity of Zithromax has been attributed to the drug’s overall effectiveness and convenience. However the drug’s popularity has led to a number of severe side effect complaints, with reports of antibiotic rash being the most concerning.

The antibiotic rash can indicate an allergic reaction that the patient should report to their physicians immediately. It is important to note that Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a severe allergic reaction specifically caused by a drug, often characterized by red or purple skin lesions.

Zithromax’s association with Stevens Johnson has been prevalent for years, but physicians have been unable to determine why it only effects certain patients.

Overview of Zithromax SJS Complications

If patients experience an SJS reaction, their initial symptoms will actually begin with flu-like side effects. Soon after, the infamous SJS rashes will start appearing all over the body and may particularly effect the mucous membranes of their body.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome rashes can inhabit up to 30% of skin surface area while its more severe cousin, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), can consume up to 90%. Patients have reported that infected areas cause the skin to detach and peel off, creating a melting like appearance.

Due to the nature of these injuries, patients are often treated in the burn unit of hospitals to replenish lost flesh with skin grafts. Other complications associated with Stevens Johnson Syndrome include: eyesight damage, internal organ damage, throat and mouth lesions, permanent skin damage, and death.

It is currently estimated that 30% of Stevens Johnson Syndrome cases are fatal so any patients who start experiencing unexplained flu symptoms or antibiotic rash, should report to their physicians immediately.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is an extremely rare condition, and is often excluded from drug warning label due to how unlikely it is for patients to experience it. The FDA has recently asked Pfizer to include SJS on Zithromax’s warning label, and has warned patients against the drug’s association with Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

These warnings do not help patients who have already been injured by this condition. SJS survivors may choose to file product liability charges against Pfizer. Potential claimants should contact a specialized lawyer to determine if they have a lawsuit.