Zithromax is an antibiotic that may cause Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS). This rare but severe allergic reaction causes the skin to peel off. Other complications include blindness, infections, and death.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Zithromax induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with SJS, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
Zithromax and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)
Zithromax (azithromycin) is an antibiotic that is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. In rare cases, it causes severe skin rashes and allergic reactions. There are reports of patients who died from Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) after taking Zithromax.
What is the problem?
Zithromax stays in the body for a long time compared to other antibiotics. It takes nearly 3 days (68 hours) for the body to eliminate 50% of a 500-mg dose of Zithromax. This allows doctors to prescribe a single large dose, but when SJS occurs, it also prolongs exposure.
Zithromax SJS Case Reports
In March 2016, researchers reported 5 cases of SJS from Zithromax. In one report, a 58 year-old man developed SJS after taking a 5-day course of Zithromax. He had blisters, skin detachment, oozing fluid, and was treated in a burn unit.
In 2006, there was a report of a 62 year-old woman who developed SJS after taking a 10-day course of Zithromax. She had fever, chills, and a rash covering her hands, feet, and eyes. Her condition improved after several days of anti-inflammatory corticosteroid treatment.
What is SJS?
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a rare, life-threatening side effect of Zithromax and hundreds of other medications. It causes a painful skin rash, blisters, and inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes (eyes, mouth, nose, lungs, genitals, intestines, etc.). The top layer of skin dies and peels off.
What is TEN?
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) is the same disease as SJS, but it covers at least 30% of the skin. Up to 50% of cases are deadly. SJS and TEN are sometimes diagnosed as erythema multiforme or Lyell’s syndrome.
Warning Signs & Symptoms
SJS and TEN can develop after just a few doses of a medication. Early warning signs usually include flu-like symptoms, fever, and generally feeling unwell. The rash can begin anywhere on the body. It spreads quickly (within hours or days). Symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Skin rash, blisters, lesions
- Mucous membrane inflammation
- Infections
- Pneumonia
- Blindness
- Lung damage
- Loss of hair and nail beds
- Genital scarring
- Skin disfigurement
- Organ failure
- Death
Do I have a Zithromax Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Zithromax induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with SJS, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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