Dangerous Drugs
Ketek
Columbus, Ohio
Ketek, drug company Sanofi-Aventis' brand name of the antibiotic telithromycin, is a medication used to treat respiratory infections including chronic bronchitis, community acquired pneumonia, acute bacterial sinusitis, and other severe and drug resistant infections.
A type of ketolide antibiotic, Ketek has been linked to many cases of serious side effects in patients, as well as several fatalities, primarily due to organ damage.
Dangerous side effects
On the US market only since 2004, Ketek has been associated with several early reports of serious and sometimes deadly side effects, including:
- Severe liver damage
- Abnormal heartbeat
- Syncope, or fainting
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Vision problems such as double vision, difficulty focusing, and blurring
Patients taking Ketek who are experiencing any of these or other related symptoms should consult with their physicians immediately. In particular, any yellowing of the eyes or the skin might indicate serious organ damage, which would require immediate medical intervention. This condition can and has proved fatal.
As a result of these disturbing reports, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings to both patients and doctors, and is considering requiring a warning label on the drug, alerting to the potential for liver failure.
Patients who suffer from any of the following are at greater risk of damage from Ketek, and should consult with their doctors about alternatives:
- Heart, liver, and kidney diseases
- Myasthenia gravis
- Allergic reactions to macrolides type antibiotics, including erythromycin, azithromycin, clarithromycin, and dirithromycin
- Women who are pregnant, or who may become pregnant, are advised to inform their doctors before taking Ketek
Legal advice
If you or a family member think you may have suffered damages as a result of Ketek, it is important to contact an experienced medical liability attorney as soon as possible. He or she can help you gather the information you need and determine whether you have a cause of action to sue for the damages you've suffered.
In Ohio, call or email Robert W. Kerpsack, Co., L.P.A. to schedule your free personal consultation.
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