Some users of the popular antibiotic known as Zithromax Z-Pak claim that the medication has caused a severe allergic reaction called Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS).

SJS syndrome is at the very least extremely painful and scarring, and at its worst, it can even be fatal.

Zithromax Z-Pak Background

Zithromax Z-Pak is an antibiotic used across the U.S. to treat a variety of bacterial infections, ranging from ear infections to pneumonia. Z-Pak dosage lasts somewhere between three to five days.

Though Zithromax Z-Pak has developed a reputation for being more convenient than others, gaining popularity quickly since its introduction, some users allege that a Z-Pak dosage may in some cases actually cause more harm than good.

Despite its popularity and reputation, some claim that the drug presents far more danger than it is worth in curing sickness. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that there may be cause for concern.

The FDA has asked that the drug’s manufacturer, Pfizer Inc., include on the Zithromax label a warning about the increased risk of Zithromax Z-Pak users developing SJS syndrome.

What is SJS Syndrome?

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a life-threatening skin condition, and symptoms of this extreme allergic reaction should be considered a medical emergency.

The skin condition is essentially an allergic reaction to a drug or antibiotic like Zithromax, but can in some cases become so severe the symptoms resemble burns. SJS syndrome is often treated in a hospital’s burn unit due to these similarities.

If the condition does progress, a purple or red rash spreads quickly across the skin, blistering and letting the top layer of skin die and shed off.

SJS syndrome rashes are painful, and can cover up to 30 percent of the body. If more than 30 percent of the body is covered in these rashes, the condition is referred to as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, or TEN. Even if a patient does not die from SJS syndrome, they are often left with scar tissue across their skin.

TEN is simply a more advanced and dangerous form of SJS syndrome, and comes with a greater risk of fatality. While the SJS mortality rate is at 15 percent (still a concerning number), the rate of fatalities in TEN cases is 40 percent.

Other Zithromax Z-Pak Side Effects

While Stevens Johnson Syndrome is certainly the most dangerous of potential Zithromax side effects, consumers have reported other side effects as well. These side effects include birth defects, liver failure, kidney failure, and sudden death.

Zithromax SJS Syndrome Lawsuits

The FDA asked Pfizer Inc. to include SJS syndrome as a risk on its warning label in response to reports and complaints. However, many Zithromax SJS lawsuits claim that this Z-Pak dosage label warning was not enough to adequately warn of the severity of Zithromax SJS.

Zithromax Z-Pak lawsuits allege that the label change included wording that purposefully underrepresented how dangerous SJS can be, noting that it may include side effects such as “severe skin rash or blisters.”

Zithromax lawsuits accuse Pfizer of downplaying these side effects while simultaneously over-marketing the medication to both patients and the wider medical community.

Plaintiffs claim that, had they been adequately warned of the dangers surrounding Zithromax Z-Pak, they would have chosen a safer alternative.

If you or someone you know has experienced these symptoms or has been diagnosed with SJS Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis after taking Zithromax Z-Pak, you may have reason to file a Zithromax SJS lawsuit.