Some Patients on Zithromax Experience SJS, TEN

Zithromax was derived from erythromycin, an antibiotic that naturally occurs in some fungi and bacteria. It is effective against a wide variety of gram-negative bacteria that cause everything from sore throats to STDs. On top of this, Zithromax is chemically different from penicillin and related drugs. This means it is effective against bacteria that have developed a resistance to penicillin and that people allergic to penicillin can safely take it.

However, a certain subset of patients can suffer a life-threatening autoimmune reaction to the drug. In these patients, the drug causes the immune system to go haywire, and attack the patient’s own skin. 

In Stevens Johnson Syndrome or SJS, the body attacks its own skin, causing a number of serious health problems. The disorder starts with vague, flu-like symptoms like chills, aches and fever. However, the reaction progresses to a painful skin rash, with sores and later ulcers. The damage also hits the mucus membranes like the mouth and even the eyes. In some cases, the damage even spreads to the internal organs. 

In the most serious cases, SJS can progress to an even more serious health problem called Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis or TEN. In TEN, patches of skin die and slough off, leaving the patient with burn-like wounds. In fact, the damage so closely resembles burns that intensive care units typically treat TEN in their burn wards. About 40 percent of patients with TEN die from the disease.

In both diseases, physicians have limited options. Beyond ceasing treatment with the offending drug, most treatments consist of supportive care — keeping the patients alive and treating the symptoms while the body (hopefully) works through the reaction. 

Lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturers of Zithromax. These Zithromax lawsuits allege that the manufacturers knew — or reasonably should have known based on postmarket surveillance and other standard procedures — that these drugs could potentially cause serious complications like SJS ant TEN. These Zithromax SJS lawsuits seek damages related to SJS and TEN, including medical expenses and lost wages, as well as attorney fees. 

If you, or someone you care about, took Zithromax and went on to suffer from serious Zithromax side effects like SJS or TEN, you are almost certainly dealing with a lot. SJS and TEN are devastating illnesses. Recovery is uncertain, and patients with these disorders may require prolonged hospital stays — wracking up both medical bills and lost wages. But you need to remember that whatever else you are facing, you still have rights, and there are steps that you can take to regain control over your situation. 

You can start by visiting the Zithromax, Z-Pak, Azithromycin Heart Attack, Stevens Johnson Syndrome & Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Class Action Lawsuit Settlement & Investigation. Here, you can enter information about your situation for a review by a legal expert with a background in SJS lawsuits. The initial consultation is completely free of charge. If you qualify, an SJS lawyer will contact you for a free, no-obligation case review.