The Zithromax & Stevens Johnson Syndrome Connection
By Amanda Antell
Zithromax (azithromycin) is one of the most widely-prescribed antibiotics in the United States. Despite its popularity, there have been recent studies and injury reports indicating that this drug may cause Steven Johnson Syndrome (SJS) in patients.
Zithromax is an antibiotic manufactured by Pfizer that’s used to treat bacterial infections, including bronchitis, skin infections, ear infections, and even some sexually transmitted diseases. It is popularly prescribed to children to treat middle ear infections, pneumonia and tonsillitis.
The drug’s popularity is often attributed to its short prescription requirement of only five days, whereas most antibacterial medications require 10. The smaller commitment requirement is believed to be more convenient for the patients. Unfortunately, there have been a number of Zithromax side effect reports of Steven Johnson Syndrome among those patients.
Cases of Zithromax Steven Johnson Syndrome
In 2006, a report found at the National Center for Biotechnology Information showed evidence of this possible connection. One case mentioned from the study was a 62-year-old woman who was given Zithromax for an upper respiratory tract infection. Several days after she started Zithromax, she developed a rash on her hands, fever and chills, and discoloration around her eyes — all symptoms of Steven Johnson Syndrome. After switching from Zithromax to another antibiotic, the patient recovered.
The report also mentioned that a child had developed Stevens Johnson Syndrome after using Zithromax. Despite the evidence found in this study that Zithromax can cause Steven Johnson Syndrome, no definite conclusions about Zithromax and Steven Johnson Syndrome were drawn.
What is Steven Johnson Syndrome?
Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a severe skin reaction, onset by an allergic reaction to medication. While Steven Johnson Syndrome symptoms can appear at any point after taking the medication, most cases occur within the first three weeks.
If left untreated, Stevens Johnson Syndrome can be fatal and even if saved from a fatal condition, the patient often never fully recovers. In these situations, the patient often suffers from SJS complications like blindness, sensitivity to light, loss of hair, scarring of the skin, loss of nails, and respiratory problems. At this point, Steven Johnson Syndrome could also be classified as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), which is the more serious form of SJS.
While Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a rare condition, it is still extremely serious and medical attention should be sought as soon as SJS symptoms appear.
Steven Johnson Syndrome Lawsuits
Pfizer is currently being sued by thousands of patients across the United States for inadequately warning them of the potential occurrence of Steven Johnson Syndrome from Zithromax. Many patients claimed that they had no knowledge of this Zithromax side effect, and would not have taken the drug if they had known about the risk of SJS.
If you believe that you or a loved one has been the victim of a Zithromax SJS injury, you have legal options. Please visit the Zithromax, Z-Pak, Azithromycin Class Action Lawsuit Investigation. There, you can submit your claim for a free legal review and if it qualifies for legal action, a skilled Zithromax lawyer will contact you for a free, no-obligation consultation. You will be guided through the litigation process at no out-of-pocket expenses or hidden fees. The SJS lawyers working this investigation do not get paid until you do.
Updated August 8th, 2013
All medical device, dangerous drug and medical class action and lawsuit news updates are listed in the Drug and Medical Device section of Top Class Actions.
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