Zithromax Linked to Stevens Johnson Syndrome
By Mike Holter
A recent report from the National Center for Biotechnology Information disclosed at least two documented cases of patients developing Stevens Johnson Syndrome after using the popular antibiotic Zithromax, also known as Z-Pak or azithromycin. Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a severe allergic reaction to medication that begins with a rash and can lead to blistering, severe peeling, open sores and even death. In its later stages, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) can develop — a life-threatening disease that causes large areas of the skin to become detached and lesions to develop in the mucous membranes. SJS and TEN are just two of the many severe Zithromax side effects cited in hundreds of Zithromax lawsuits seeking compensation for injuries caused by the antibiotic.Until recently, Stevens Johnson Syndrome was more commonly linked to other medications, such as ibuprofen and Dilantin. Stories of patients suffering severe Stevens Johnson Syndrome skin burns after taking Advil, Children’s Advil, Motrin and Children’s Motrin have populated the news in recent years. Now the scary syndrome is linked to another popular medication: Zithromax, or Z-Pak.
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, at least two people may have developed Stevens Johnson Syndrome after taking Zithromax Z-Pak tablets. One was a 62-year-old woman who used Zithromax to treat an upper respiratory infection and later developed a severe Stevens Johnson rash, fever and chills. The second Stevens Johnson Syndrome victim was a child, which means patients of all ages are susceptible to developing SJS or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis from taking Zithromax, Z-Pak or azithromycin.
What is Stevens Johnson Syndrome?
Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a rare, serious allergic reaction to medication that causes your skin and mucous membranes to react severely, literally burning from the inside out. It often begins with flu-like symptoms, followed by a painful red or purplish rash that spreads and blisters, eventually causing the top layer of your skin to die and slough off in sheets. Patients are typically treated in a hospital’s burn unit, racking up thousands of dollars in medical bills. If the Stevens Johnson skin lesions become infected, or the patient develops lesions in the lungs, it can result in death — which is the result in about 5% to 15% of cases.
Stevens Johnson Syndrome treatment focuses on eliminating the underlying cause, controlling symptoms and minimizing complications. Recovery from SJS can take weeks to months, depending on the severity of the situation. If a doctor determines your case of Stevens Johnson Syndrome was caused by Zithromax, Z-Pak, azithromycin, Ibuprofen or another medication, you’ll need to avoid the medication and all others related to it for the rest of your life.
Stevens Johnson Syndrome Symptoms
SJS symptoms usually begin with a fever, sore throat, cough, burning eyes and headache, that can within a matter of days — or even hours — turn into skin lesions, blisters and respiratory infection. Signs and symptoms of Stevens Johnson Syndrome include:
* Facial swelling
* Tongue swelling
* Hives
* Skin pain
* A red or purple skin rash that spreads within hours or days
* Skin blisters
* Mucous membrane blisters, especially in the mouth, nose and eyes
* Shedding (sloughing) of the skin
If you experience any of these symptoms of Stevens Johnson Syndrome, you should seek immediate medical attention. If you developed these symptoms after taking Zithromax, Z-Pak or azithromycin, you should also speak with a Zithromax Stevens Johnson Syndrome compensation specialist who can determine if you have a case to seek compensation from Pfizer. The medical expenses alone for treated SJS can amount to thousands of dollars, not to mention the pain and suffering you deserve to be compensated for.
Thousands of Zithromax lawsuits and Z-Pak lawsuits have been filed against Pfizer for failing to adequately warn the public about the risk of serious Z-Pak side effects, such as heart attack, liver failure, Stevens Johnson Syndrome, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, Trachoma/eye infections/blindness, and more.
If you would like more information about filing a Zithromax Stevens Johnson Syndrome lawsuit or Z-Pak injury lawsuit, submit your information for a free consultation through the Zithromax, Z-Pak, Azithromycin Class Action Lawsuit Investigation page. The Zithromax/Z-Pak/Azithromycin attorneys working with Top Class Actions don’t get paid unless you win or settle.
Updated July 20th, 2012
{loadposition content_postads}
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.
LEGAL INFORMATION IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE
Top Class Actions Legal Statement
Top Class Actions Legal Statement
©2008 – 2012 Top Class Actions® LLC
Various Trademarks held by their respective owners.
One thought on Zithromax Linked to Stevens Johnson Syndrome