High School Student Gets Zithromax Stevens Johnson Syndrome
By Jessica Tyner
While Zithromax, or Z-Pak, is guilty of numerous side effects, one of the most severe is Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS). In early 2013, a high school student from Nebraska found this out the hard way. Taylor Nelson is a junior at a Scottsbluff high school and, after taking Z-Pak, began to notice sores spreading inside his mouth. Oftentimes, SJS begins with a severe skin reaction.
Johnson had been prescribed Zithromax to battle a sinus infection. As the sores continued to worsen, doctors quickly diagnosed the student as having Zithromax SJS. The interesting part of this unfortunate story isn’t that Johnson was allergic to Zithromax — which isn’t uncommon — but that he’d previously taken Zithromax for other infection with no adverse side effects. What happened?
Zithromax Side Effects Can Happen Anytime
Just because a person has safely taken Z-Pak in the past doesn’t mean they’re permanently immune to Z-Pak side effects in the future. Research shows that anyone can have a negative Zithromax reaction at any time. Johnson was immediately hospitalized and considered in “dire condition,” although he did pull through because the Stevens Johnson Syndrome symptoms were caught right away. However, during his hospitalization, doctors weren’t sure if Johnson was going to make it.
Sadly, this isn’t an uncommon story. Zithromax is linked to Stevens Johnson Syndrome and a host of other dangerous side effects. According to the Pfizer website, the manufacturer of Zithromax, it’s possible that Z-Pak side effects can happen well after a person stops taking the drug. Some experts theorize that Johnson’s body had stored old remnants of Z-Pak until it was exacerbated into a life-threatening situation.
Where Pfizer Falls Short
Zithromax Stevens Johnson Syndrome lawsuits have strong merit because there are virtually no warnings about the severity of the Z-Pak side effects. Information for patients mentions the possibility of a skin rash, but does not cite the possibility of a reaction as strong as SJS. Zithromax is a very common antibiotic, and is prescribed to throngs of Americans who often take it without a second thought — assured by doctors that it’s safe.
Just like Johnson, there’s no telling when dangerous Z-Pak side effects will pop up. If a bad reaction is caught immediately, Zithromax side effects can be lethal. This is also assuming that doctors can correctly identify the problem and act accordingly, which isn’t always the case.
Has Zithromax Impacted You?
You may not be aware what type of antibiotics you’ve been prescribed during your life. However, if you suffered from SJS and have taken an antibiotic, it’s possible that it was Z-Pak and you may have a legal claim. Your doctors have records of all drugs prescribed to you, and it’s crucial to check if Zithromax or Z-Pak was one of them.
Visit the Zithromax Class Action Lawsuit Investigation to find out more about class action lawsuits you may qualify for. A compassionate and knowledgeable representative is available at no charge to provide you with a free Z-Pak claim review. If you’ve been hurt by Z-Pak, you deserve appropriate compensation for pain, suffering, medical bills and perhaps ongoing care.
Updated April 12th, 2013
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