Zithromax Side Effects Linked to SJS and Heart Problems

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Zithromax is one of the most popular antibiotics on the market because it is effective against a wide range of illnesses, and it only has to be taken for five days. However, safety concerns have emerged, which has resulted in a Zithromax class action lawsuit investigation.

Zithromax (Z-Pak)

Zithromax (azithromycin) belongs to a class of antibiotics called macrolides. This antibiotic is effective against a wide range of bacterial infections. Additionally, macrolides are chemically distinct from other families of antibiotics. This has two implications. First, having an allergy to penicillin does not mean that a person will have a similar allergic reaction to Zithromax. Second, if a bacteria has developed a resistance to penicillin and its allies, this does not mean that it will be resistant to Zithromax, giving patients new treatment options. However, some patients may have serious reactions to Zithromax.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is an autoimmune reaction. Autoimmune reactions are situations where the immune system misfires and attacks the body’s own tissues. In the case of SJS, the body attacks its own skin. The reaction starts with vague, flu-like symptoms, which rapidly escalates to a rash with blisters, then sores, then ulcers. The reaction can spread to the tissues of the mouth, eyes, and the surface of the internal organs. This means that the reaction can impair organ function and vision.

The most severe cases of SJS can escalate to Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis or TEN. In TEN, patches of skin die and slough off, leaving the patient with injuries similar to severe burns. The mortality rate jumps from the 5 percent to 15  percent range for SJS to 40 percent for those who have TENs, higher than some strains of the Ebola virus.

Physicians are somewhat at a loss on many details of SJS and TEN. It is known that the vast majority of cases are triggered by medications. However, many patients suffer SJS after taking relatively common medications, like Zithromax. Physicians are somewhat at a loss on how to treat the disorder, since it is relatively rare. Steroids, which are useful in treating some autoimmune reactions, may be linked to an increased mortality rate. Instead, physicians are mostly limited to supportive therapy, treating the symptoms of the reaction and hoping the patient improves.

Heart Arrhythmia

Additionally, postmarket surveys and peer-reviewed research has linked Zithromax to an increased risk of developing certain types of abnormal heart rhythms. Specifically, it has been linked to an elongation of the QT interval. Various electrical pulses that regulate heart rhythms are given different letter designation, so an elongation of the QT interval means that the time between the Q and T impulses in longer than normal. This can cause the pumping of the two ventricles of the heart to fall out of sync. This can lead to the two muscle pumps beating at the same time. If this happens, the two ventricles could essentially hydraulically lock each other, preventing the heart from beating, causing a heart attack.

This type of arrhythmia and cardiac arrest was reported with other macrolides. However, it was believe that the synthetic nature of Zithromax made it the “safe” member of the family. However, the drug’s widespread deployment may have made it easier to spot the alleged link between the drug and heart beat anomalies.

Join a Free Zithromax Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

An investigation has been launched to explore the possibility of a Zithromax class action lawsuit against the makers of the drug. Such a Zithromax class action lawsuit may allege that Pfizer Inc. was aware of the risks associated with Zithromax side effects, including SJS, TEN, and abnormal heart beats. Class action lawsuits of this type typically seek the cost of medical care, lost wages, and sometimes final expenses.

If you or a loved one suffered from SJS, TEN, or heart problems after using Zithromax, you may be entitled to compensation. You can start to explore your options by submitting your story for a free and confidential claim review:

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