Zithromax, an antibiotic popular for its short courses of treatment, has been linked to rare but debilitating complications known as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and its related condition toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are rare conditions that chiefly affect the skin. It usually onsets with a skin rash in conjunction with flu-like symptoms like cough, fever and headache.

As SJS develops, the areas of rash grow larger and form blisters, making the skin easy to peel off. Where SJS results in large (generally greater than 30 percent of the body’s total surface) areas of the top layer of skin peeling off of the body, it is usually then referred to as toxic epidermal necrolysis. Some patients also lose their hair or nails.

In addition to the external symptoms, SJS patients may also develop blisters on the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose or genitals. Eye symptoms such as corneal damage and severe purulence are also common.

SJS can spawn dangerous secondary conditions. The large-scale loss of skin may lead to infections of the skin like cellulitis. It can cause blood infections that result in sepsis, a systemic condition that can lead to shock, organ failure, or death. There may be damaging inflammation of the heart, lungs, liver or kidneys.

Treatment for both conditions is supportive. The patient must be hospitalized, sometimes in a burn unit. Where SJS is caused by a medication, that medication must be ceased as soon as possible. Treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms while the body gets a chance to heal itself: providers maintain clean wound dressings and administer fluids to replace those lost through the loss of skin. Doctors may administer pain medication, antihistamine, antibiotics, or steroids.

The chance of dying from SJS or TEN is about 7.5 percent for children and as high as 25 percent for adults. Odds of survival are lower if treatment begins earlier.

Zithromax SJS and TEN

While SJS and TEN are rare, when they do occur they are often caused by a medication. Zithromax is one of many different kinds of medications associated with SJS and TEN.

Zithromax is also sold under the trade name Zmax. It was first approved by the FDA in November 1991, and since then it has become available under the generic name azithromycin. In adult patients, Zithromax is indicated as a treatment for bacterial infections of the skin, genitourinary system, and respiratory system. Its mechanism of action allows for relatively short courses of treatment, so it’s often sold in a 3- or 5-day pack known as a Z-Pak.

Understandably, victims of Zithromax SJS or TEN stand to suffer substantial harm in terms of not only money but physical and emotional pain. The hospitalization and treatment required can generate burdensome medical expenses while at the same time preventing the patient from earning income for weeks or sometimes months. Patients also suffer harm that is not as easily measured, such as physical pain, emotional anguish, and harm to personal relationships. In cases where Zithromax SJS is fatal, the victim’s survivors suffer their own losses due to their loved one’s death.