The popular antibiotic has been linked to the painful and dangerous skin rash known as Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Zithromax is widely used to treat a number of bacterial infections, ranging from ear infections to pneumonia. The medication, also sold as Z-pak or Z-max, may be considered even more desirable by some consumers because of its extremely short prescription length. Zithromax treatment can last from three to five days, treating anything from skin infections to respiratory infections.

Despite its popularity and reputation, some claim that the drug presents far more danger than it does assistance, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has agreed that there may be cause for concern. The FDA has asked that the drug’s manufacturer, Pfizer Inc., include on the Zithromax label a warning about the increased risk of developing Zithromax SJS.

What is Zithromax SJS?

Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a life-threatening skin reaction. This condition is dangerous, and should be considered a medical emergency. SJS is essentially an allergic reaction to Zithromax, or other drugs, and can become so severe the symptoms resemble burns.

At first, Zithromax SJS symptoms may be similar to the flu. Patients who have SJS initially report chills, body aches, and fevers, which by themselves are not altogether concerning. It is important to be highly aware of these symptoms, however, because if they lead to a rash, the condition could be far more severe. If SJS symptoms do progress, a purple or red rash spreads quickly across the skin, blistering and letting the top layer of skin die and shed off.

SJS rashes are severe and can be quite alarming, covering up to 30 percent of the body. If more than 30 percent of the body is covered in lesions, the condition is referred to as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, or TEN. TEN is simply a more severe and dangerous form of SJS, and comes with a greater risk of fatality. While the SJS mortality rate is at 15 percent, the rate of fatalities in TEN cases is 40 percent.

Other Zithromax Side Effects

While Stevens Johnson Syndrome is certainly the most dangerous of Zithromax side effects, consumers have reported other side effects as well. These side effects include birth defects, liver failure, kidney failure, and sudden death.

Zithromax SJS Lawsuits

The FDA asked Pfizer to include the Zithromax SJS risk on its warning label in response to reports of the severe side effect, but Zithromax SJS lawsuits claim that even this was not adequate warning. Zithromax lawsuits allege that the label change included wording that purposefully underrepresented how dangerous SJS can be, noting that it may include side effects such as “severe skin rash or blisters.”

Plaintiffs involved in Zithromax SJS lawsuits allege that Pfizer Inc. has a responsibility to the public to make Zithromax’s risks much clearer, and accuse Pfizer of downplaying these side effects while simultaneously over-marketing the medication to both patients and the wider medical community. Plaintiffs claim that, had they been adequately warned of the dangers surrounding Zithromax, they would have chosen a safer alternative.

If you or someone you know has experienced these symptoms or has been diagnosed with Stevens Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis after taking Zithromax, you may have reason to file a Zithromax SJS lawsuit.