Zithromax Side Effects Can Be Fatal, Studies Show
By Christina Drury
Zithromax is an antibiotic, known generically as azithromycin, which is used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Infections that require such treatments include sexually transmitted diseases, respiratory infections and skin infections. Zithromax, commonly known as Z-Pak, is also used to treat pneumonia, tonsillitis and middle ear infections in children. The antibiotic grew in popularity due to its shorter treatment regimen that allowed patients to take fewer pills over a shorter amount of days in comparison to the competing antibiotic amoxicillin. When Zithromax was first introduced into the medical market, it was the preferred prescription given out by doctors. Now, however, recent studies have confirmed the drug can cause serious and even life-threatening side effects. Side Effects Linked to Zithromax
Symptoms of Stevens Johnson Syndrome
Stevens Johnson Syndrome is an allergic reaction to medication that can be potentially fatal. The syndrome can occur at any time, even with a medication that was previously tolerated by the patient with no adverse reactions.
SJS, along with the more advanced stage known as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), typically starts with a fever, headache and sore throat. As the condition progresses, patients suffering from SJS or TEN develop skin lesions and blisters along with adverse effects to the mucous membranes in the throat, mouth and eyelids.
As the syndrome continues to develop, the patient will begin losing large portions of their skin, medically known as “sloughing.” There have been some reports of patients suffering from internal burning, causing severe damage to the internal organs. Most patients enduring SJS or TEN are treated in the burn unit of the hospital due to the significant loss of skin and possibility of infection. When a patient survives SJS or TEN, they often suffer from long-term effects, such as sensitivity to light, blindness, scarring, loss of hair, respiratory problems and loss of nails.
What to Do if You Have Suffered from SJS or TEN
If you or a loved one was prescribed Zithromax to treat a bacterial infection or other affliction and subsequently developed SJS or TEN, you may be eligible to receive compensation. To learn more about Zithromax, its effects and the current lawsuit against the drug, please visit the Zithromax Class Action Lawsuit Settlement Investigation page of our website. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may receive compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, pain and suffering and more. On our website you can also submit your information to our compensation specialists you will advise you on your individual lawsuit.
Updated March 13th, 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.
Top Class Actions Legal Statement
