Zithromax is a popular antibiotic prescribed by doctors to treat a variety of bacterial infections. However, reports of a Zithromax skin reaction have concerned both doctors and patients.

Zithromax, generically known as azithromycin and colloquially known as Zpak, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1992.

Doctors prescribe Zithromax for patients who suffer from various bacterial infections like bronchitis, pneumonia, as well as ear and lung infections. Also, sexually transmitted infections can be treated by Zithromax.

Zithromax is manufactured by Pfizer and has brought in high sales numbers for the drug giant. In 2002, Zithromax profited Pfizer $1 billion and although sales have dropped slightly because of the availability of generics, it still brought in $435 million in 2012.

As with any drug, however, there are reports of side effects. Zithromax has been linked to a number of adverse reactions including heart-related risks and a rare but serious Zithromax skin reaction.

Zithromax Skin Reaction Risks

Occasionally, a patient who takes Zithromax may develop a serious and life-threatening Zithromax skin reaction. This Zithromax skin reaction may develop into a condition known as Stevens Johnson Syndrome or SJS.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome almost always occurs as a reaction to a drug or infection and, in this case, a Zithromax skin reaction. It is an autoimmune disorder that begins with symptoms similar to the flu.

In fact, patients often do not know that they are experiencing a rare Zithromax skin reaction. After the flu symptoms, a rash develops on the body. This rash turns into brightly colored lesions on the skin.

The Zithromax skin reaction causes the epidermis to separate from the dermis and the skin will slough off in large sheets. This puts the patient at severe risk of infection.

It also attacks the mucous membranes of the body including the mouth and eyes. In fact, the Zithromax skin reaction patient may experience permanent scarring of the eyes, corneal blisters and holes, conjunctivitis and even vision loss.

The Zithromax skin reaction is a serious condition and should be treated with immediacy and urgency. Patients with Stevens Johnson Syndrome are treated in a hospital and treatment focuses on alleviation of symptoms.

Although skin may regrow in a couple weeks, recovery can take a few weeks to many months and patients often experience complications long after healing.

Many times, Stevens Johnson Syndrome patients are treated in the burn ward of a hospital.

Indeed, if Stevens Johnson Syndrome is not treated immediately, it can progress into a condition known as toxic epidermal necrolysis, or TEN. Toxic epidermal necrolysis is much more serious than Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Complications from TEN can include dehydration, sepsis, pneumonia and multiple organ failure. The mortality rate for Stevens Johnson Syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis are between 25% and 30%.

Filing a Zithromax Skin Reaction Lawsuit

If you or someone you love has taken Zithromax and experienced a Zithromax skin reaction, Stevens Johnson Syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis, you may benefit from speaking to an experienced attorney. You may qualify to file a Zithromax skin reaction lawsuit.