Ketek, also known as telithromycin, is an antibiotic manufactured by a French company, Sanofi-Aventis to treat pneumonia, bacterial bronchitis, and sinusitis. The Food and Drug Administration refused to approve Ketek in 2001 and 2003 because safer and cheaper alternatives were available. In April 2004, Ketek received FDA approval. Ketek has since been prescribed to more than 3.5 million people in the United States.
Ketek’s Approved Uses
The FDA approved the Ketek antibiotic to treat pneumonia, bacterial bronchitis, and sinusitis. In February 2007, the FDA restricted Ketek use to community acquired pneumonia (pneumonia acquired from outside a hospital) and withdrew its approval for bronchitis and sinusitis. This restriction was implemented after the Ketek antibiotic was linked to several severe side effects.
How does Ketek Antibiotic Work?
Related Topics
Dangerous Drug Alert
Who Should not Take Ketek?
The Ketek antibiotic should not be used by patients with the following medical conditions:
- Heart problems
- Muscle weakness
- Prior liver problems
- Severe kidney disease
Ketek Liver Problems
In May 2006, the FDA discovered a direct link between the Ketek antibiotic and liver damage after Ketek users reported twelve liver failures, including four deaths. In 2006, Sanofi-Aventis, Ketek’s manufacturer, added a box label warning detailing Ketek’s life threatening liver damage side effect.
Ketek Antibiotic Side Effects
In addition to liver damage, Ketek’s side effects include:
- Low blood pressure
- Abnormal heart beat
- Liver Inflammation (hepatitis)
- Jaundice (yellowish color to the skin and eyes)
- Colon Inflammation
Contact Us
If you would like more information on the Ketek antibiotic or its side effects, or if you or a loved has been injured by the Ketek antibiotic, please contact us today as you may be entitled to compensation.
