Zithromax, known generically as azithromycin, is one of a class of antibiotics called macrolides.

These drugs fight infections by preventing bacteria from producing the proteins they need to grow.

First synthesized in 1981 by a team of Croatian scientists, azithromycin was picked up by Pfizer a few years later. It entered the U.S. market under the brand name Zithromax in 1991.

It worked incredibly well, but like all antibiotics Zithromax has been linked to side effects, like Zithromax Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Since its release, Zithromax has been specifically approved by the FDA to treat upper and lower respiratory tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases, skin infections, mycobacterial infections, and genital ulcer disease in men.

It also sees some off-label use in treating many other kinds of infections like acne vulgaris, dental infections, and pelvic inflammatory disease.

Thanks in part to its short course and ease of compliance, Zithromax sales have brought in plenty revenue for Pfizer. Even with generics now on the market, annual sales still reach well into the hundreds of millions of dollars.

But despite its popularity, Zithromax has been linked to several potentially serious side effects. Previous scientific studies have linked the drug to side effects including anaphylactic shock, liver disease, and higher instances of cardiovascular death.

Among these more serious side effects is Zithromax Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), an allergic reaction that mainly attacks the skin and mucous membranes. In its most severe cases, it can be fatal.

Symptoms of Zithromax Stevens Johnson Syndrome

The hallmark symptom of Zithromax Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a rash that spreads across the body. Blisters form within these areas. These blisters get larger and join together into significantly large areas of skin that peel away.

If the area of skin affected this way grows to cover over 30 percent of the body surface area, the condition may be referred to as toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN).

Patients whose condition advances this far have a substantially lower rate of survival. The most frequent cause of death is an infection that develops at the sites where the skin is damaged and exposed.

Other symptoms can also affect the eyes, making them red and painful. Sometimes patients develop keratoconjunctivitis or corneal damage.

Complications of this condition can be deadly. Deaths from Stevens Johnson Syndrome are most common within the three months after the condition started.

Some of the most common complications include sepsis, a systemic inflammatory reaction that happens throughout the whole body. Fluid may build up in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. Multiple organ failure may also occur.

Treatment of Zithromax Stevens Johnson Syndrome requires hospitalization, sometimes for several weeks. It starts with discontinuing Zithromax immediately.

Then care providers focus on replacing fluids and nutrients, preventing infection, and treating symptoms. Since the skin symptoms tend to resemble severe burns, treatment sometimes takes place in a hospital’s burn unit if one is available.

Even after the condition has resolved, Zithromax Stevens Johnson Syndrome can leave residuals that are long-lasting or even permanent.

Patients often must live with scars in the affected areas of skin. They may have difficulty seeing or discomfort in bright light, or in the most extreme cases may be stricken permanently blind.

If you or someone you love has been affected by Zithromax SJS, or other Zithromax side effects, you may be able to file a Zithromax lawsuit.