The number of Zithromax lawsuits being filed against Pfizer continues to grow as more and more people are affected by various Zithromax side effects. Many people taking Zithromax have suffered a wide range of serious conditions ranging from cardiovascular problems and liver failure to developing Stevens Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis.

Zithromax, also known as azithromycin, is an antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections including respiratory infections, skin infections, ear infections and some sexually transmitted diseases.

What is Zithromax Stevens Johnson Syndrome?

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a rare but serious disorder of the skin and mucous membranes. The disorder usually begins with flu-like symptoms and patients may initially experience symptoms such as a sore throat, fever, cough and fatigue.

Later symptoms include facial and tongue swelling, blisters on the skin and mucous membranes, a fast-spreading red or purple skin rash and/or the shedding of skin. If these symptoms appear, patients should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome may develop into Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). The two conditions are clinically similar but TEN generally affects a larger portion of the body, and skin may begin to slough off in large sheets. Both Stevens Johnson Syndrome and TEN are potentially fatal conditions.

Patients hospitalized for Stevens Johnson Syndrome are often treated in the burn ward of hospitals. Treatment is often focused on eliminating the cause of the condition and keeping patients well hydrated. The loss of skin can result in dehydration due to a large loss of liquid. Recovery can require extended hospitalization, ranging from weeks to months.

What Causes Stevens Johnson Syndrome?

Zithromax Stevens Johnson Syndrome is caused by a severe allergic reaction to medication. Antibiotics are one of the most common drug causes of Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

While allergic reactions to various drugs, like Zithromax, are not the only cause of Stevens Johnson Syndrome, it is suggested that allergic reactions to medications are associated with 50 percent of Stevens Johnson Syndrome cases and 95 percent of TEN cases.

Other causes of Stevens Johnson Syndrome include radiation therapy, seizure medications, pain relievers such as acetaminophen, and infections such as herpes, pneumonia, HIV and hepatitis.

 Zithromax Lawsuits

Across the nation, patients who have suffered the devastating complications of Stevens Johnson Syndrome as a side effect of taking Zithromax are filing Zithromax SJS lawsuits against Pfizer. The Zithromax lawsuits often claim that Pfizer violated consumer protection laws, and that the corporation failed to warn the medical community and general public of the potential risk of developing the rare but serious condition.

Family members who have lost loved ones to Zithromax Steven Johnson Syndrome may also file Zithromax SJS wrongful death lawsuits. In some cases, spouses may be able to bring loss of consortium claims against Pfizer for the loss of spousal intimacy they suffered due the their spouse developing Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

These Zithromax lawsuits may help victims of Zithromax side effects pay medical bills and receive compensation for their pain and suffering.