Zithromax (azithromycin) is a commonly prescribed antibiotic medication. Made by Pfizer, this antibiotic is one of the more popularly prescribed medications because of its ease of use and the range of conditions it effectively treats.

Any drug on the market has its own list of common side effects that are commonly associated with its use. Common side effects of Zithromax include upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain.

However, more serious side effects of Zithromax include the potentially fatal allergic reaction, Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

About Zithromax

Zithromax is used to treat various types of infections such as common upper respiratory infections, skin infections, ear infections, some gastrointestinal infections and sexually transmitted infections.

Also known as, Zmax or Z-Pack, Zithromax often comes contained in a blister package of a predetermined number of pills as opposed those counted and dispensed in standard pharmacy pill bottles.

While a standard course of antibiotics is typically 7-10 days, a course of Zithromax is typically 5 days, 3 days or even a single day “megadose” prescription. Patients are more compliant with the shorter treatment duration and patients are more likely to prescribe the drug due to patient compliance and often times patient request.

Most antibiotics work by killing the bacteria present in the body. Zithromax acts in a different way by halting the reproduction of the bacteria. Once the bacteria stop replicating, the body is no longer as overwhelmed trying to fight the infection, and the natural immune defenses of the body take over to fight off the remaining bacteria.

Zithromax and Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a serious skin condition related to a more severe form of skin disease called Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). These conditions are caused by the body’s allergic reaction to a drug. In SJS, between 10 and 30 percent of the body’s skin is affected, and with TEN, over 30 percent of the body has skin involvement.

Most times, SJS symptoms start out by the patient feeling run down and flu-like. A slight fever, sore throat, achiness and fatigue are common. The skin and mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, mouth, anus and genital area are next affected with blisters and patches of purplish red skin discoloration. The skin rash and discoloration will spread quickly over a period of hours or days.

The affected areas of skin then begin to slough off due to dead skin cells. This can leave patients looking like they are burn victims, and often are treated in the burn unit or intensive care unit of hospitals. SJS and TEN are considered a medical emergency, and hospitalization is required.

There is no cure for Stevens Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis. Care is focused on removing the offending drug that caused the reaction and stabilizing the patient with wound care, pain medication and delivery of intravenous fluids and nutrition. Recovery can take from several weeks to several months. The reported mortality rate of SJS is about 5%, and for TEN, it is higher at 25-35%.

Zithromax Lawsuit Information

If you or a loved one has suffered from Zithromax SJS or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis as a result of taking Zithromax, you may be eligible to seek legal action and pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and more.