Zithromax May Cause Lethal Reactions in Some Users

The popular antibiotic Zithromax is among the world’s best selling drugs. As a macrolide antibiotic, it has a different structure and function from penicillin and related antibiotics. This means that Zithromax works against infections that have a resistance against penicillin-based antibiotics, and does not cause issues for patients allergic to drugs in the penicillin family. Despite a different structure, Zithromax works against roughly the same spectra of bacteria as the penicillin family of antibiotics, making it an ideal substitute for most patients.

However, some patients who take Zithromax may experience severe, life-threatening reactions to the drug. On of the most serious potential side effects of Zithromax includes autoimmune reactions. In autoimmune reactions, the body’s own immune system attacks the patient’s own tissues, treating them like a bacteria or virus. Among the most dangerous autoimmune reactions reported from users of Zithromax is Stevens Johnson Syndrome and it’s even more severe form Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis.

What is Stevens Johnson Syndrome?

In Stevens Johnson Syndrome or SJS, the immune system goes haywire and attacks the skin. Several things can trigger SJS, most often drugs like Zithromax. Less commonly, certain infections and cancer can also trigger the reaction.

When the reaction starts, it often resembles a flu with vague symptoms, including fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. SJS symptoms resemble the flu because many of the flu’s symptoms relate to the reactions of the immune system to the body. In fact, doctors often mistake the early stages of SJS for the flu. However, the symptoms of SJS escalate.

First, the patients suffer from a painful skin rash. This evolves to sores and eventually ulcers. The rash usually hits the mucus membranes like the mouth and eyes. In some serious cases, the damage spreads to the surface of the internal organs.

The damage from SJS can cause permanent complications. The sores and ulcers may scar, leaving patients disfigured and possibly even disabled. If the damage hits the eyes, scarring can actually leave the patient permanently blinded. The damage to the internal organs can remain after the reaction ceases, leaving the patient with impaired organ function, which can cause a host of symptoms. Roughly 5 percent of patients will die from SJS.

The most serious cases of SJS can progress to Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis or TEN. In TEN, the damage to the skin escalates to the point that large patches of skin die and slough off. The damage closely resembles thermal burns, and often burn wards are best equipped to treat patients with TEN. This more serious reaction kills roughly 40% of patients who develop the reaction.

Get Legal Help for Zithromax SJS

If you or a loved one took Zithromax and went on to develop SJS or TEN, you may have a case. You should start to explore your options by visiting the Zithromax, Z-Pak, Azithromycin Heart Attack, Stevens Johnson Syndrome Class Action Lawsuit Settlement Investigation. Here, you can enter information about your case. Your information will be reviewed, free of charge, by a legal expert with a background in this type of litigation. From here, you can receive guidance on the best steps to take in your specific legal situation.