Serious Side Effects of Zithromax Z-Pak Are Rare, But Very Real

One of the major concerns for those who are taking Z-Pak is the apparent link between the use of Zithromax and Stevens Johnson Syndrome. In 2006, the National Center for Biotechnology Information found a minimum of 2 separate cases of a patient taking Zithromax and then later developing Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS).

SJS is a rash that actually develops on the inside of the Zithromax user’s body as an allergic reaction to the drug. This reaction is so severe that it can be lethal. Zithromax Stevens Johnson Syndrome is rare; however, it does not reduce the severity of this particular side effect of Z-Pak.

Most Recent Zithromax SJS Case

Recently, a Jackson, Florida boy was hospitalized with Stevens Johnsons Syndrome. Although the original link was considered to be the Sulfamethoxazole-TMP he was taking, the 10-year-old boy was also administered Zithromax for headaches and a sinus infection.

It was reported that the boy did not develop a skin rash while taking Sulfamethoxazole-TMP, which is a sign of SJS that often appears early on. But within two days of being prescribed Zithromax Z-Pak, the skin rash appeared and that is when the child was diagnosed with SJS. However, because the boy was taking Sulfamethoxazole-TMP, his Stevens Johnson Syndrome was not attributed to Zithromax even though it could have been the real cause.

Additional Side Effects of Zithromax, Z-Pak, Athromycin

Another potential side effect of Zithromax includes a small risk to the heart. A report contained within Bloomberg News (5/17/12) discussed research linking this Z-Pak heart risk with cardiovascular death among heart patients. Other reports identify similar results. The risk of Z-Pak heart attack side effects is low, but a risk nonetheless.

Studies are being reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the FDA has already questioned the drug’s manufacturer, Pfizer, for not properly disclosing these potential risks in the marketing and labeling of Zithromax or Z-Pak.

In specific brochures used by Pfizer, the FDA notes that the risks and side effects of Zithromax are downplayed and include angioedema, anaphylaxis, SJS and a potentially fatal condition called toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Antibiotic medications have become a serious ingredient in the fight against infections, including some with the potential to be fatal. With this in mind, products such as Zithromax, which has a potential for serious side effects, are required to have these risks properly documented and reported on the labeling and in the marketing of the product.

Zithromax Lawsuits