Although most side effects of Z-Pak are mild and reversible, a Z-Pak skin rash may actually devolve into something more dangerous or life-threatening. Keep an eye on any Z-Pak side effects. If your Z-Pak skin rash worsens, seek medical attention.

Background of Z-Pak

Z-Pak (azithromycin) is one of several antibiotic medications that has been linked with the serious skin condition known as Stevens Johnson Syndrome. Other medications that are associated with Stevens Johnson Syndrome include Dilantin, Lamictal and Advil. Z-Pak is also marketed as Zithromax.

While it is not unusual for antibiotics like Z-Pak to have certain side effects and allergic reactions that patients may develop, these are generally mild and go away on their own without further treatment. However, what you think might be a simple Z-Pak skin rash may quickly develop into the dangerous condition called Stevens Johnson Syndrome, or SJS.

Z-Pak Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a painful and life-threatening condition that attacks the skin and mucous membranes, covering huge portions of the body. This much more serious Z-Pak skin rash spreads rapidly, covering a patient’s skin in a painful red or purple rash that blisters. Stevens Johnson Syndrome can become so severe that it must be treated in a hospital’s burn unit.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is life-threatening, and it should be considered a medical emergency. Even patients who survive this severe Z-Pak skin rash are left with long-lasting side effects, including permanent scarring covering the skin once affected by the rash.

A Stevens Johnson Syndrome skin rash can spread to cover up to 30 percent of the body before being reclassified as a more serious form of the disease, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, or TEN.

The main difference between these two conditions (besides amount of skin covered) is the severity. The mortality rate linked with Zithromax Stevens Johnson Syndrome is 15 percent, while the mortality rate of TEN is closer to 40 percent.

After reports of Stevens Johnson Syndrome began, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) required that the drug’s manufacturer include a warning label about the risk of the more dangerous Z-Pak skin rash associated with the medication.

Z-Pak Skin Rash Lawsuits

If you have taken Z-Pak and later were diagnosed with Stevens Johnson Syndrome, you may be able to pursue litigation.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with Stevens Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis after taking Z-Pak or a similar drug, you may be able to file a Stevens Johnson Syndrome lawsuit.

If you notice a Z-Pak skin rash, keep an eye on it and seek medical attention immediately if it worsens.