Drug Warning: Ketek

Generic name: telithromycin

Manufactured and marketed by: Aventis Pharmaceuticals

Purpose: An antibiotic that is prescribed for the treatment of some respiratory infections, including lung and sinus infections.

Side Effects Reported

• Some of the common side effects of Ketek may include headache, nausea, dizziness, diarrhea, and vomiting.
• Ketek may also be linked to vision problems in patients treated with the medication.
• The vision problems may include difficulty focusing, diplopia (double vision), and blurred vision.

Industry Report

A recent report from January of 2006, which will be published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, has reported three cases of patients suffering from serious liver toxicity after being treated with the antibiotic Ketek. Liver toxicity can cause significant damage and is potentially fatal. One of the three patients discussed in the report who suffered from liver toxicity died, while another required a liver transplant. The third affected patient eventually recovered from a drug-induced hepatitis, after the use of Ketek had ended. These three patients all developed acute hepatitis, and jaundice, which is the yellowing of the skin or eyes. The patients were also determined by blood tests to have had abnormal liver function.

Seeger Weiss is not currently pursuing lawsuits on this drug, but its drug warnings will remain on our radar.

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