Generically known as telithromycin, Ketek is an oral ketolide antibiotic medication prescribed in the treatment of bacterial infections that affect the lungs and sinuses. Available in pill form, Ketek should be taken as instructed (two 400mg pills daily, with or without food) to be optimally effective. Ketek is produced by Sanofi Aventis and has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 2004. To date, an estimated 5.6 million people have taken Ketek.

Ketek Side Effects

Ketek is known to cause some severe, irreversible side effects, including:

• Arrhythmia
• Jaundice and/or other types of liver damage
• Liver failure
• Respiratory failure
• Severe allergic reaction
• Death

Symptoms of severe Ketek side effects may include:

• Bloody or watery diarrhea
• Irregular heartbeats
• Lack of balance and/or coordination
• Lightheadedness and/or fainting
• Muscle pain and/or weakness
• Swallowing problems
• Vision problems

Patients who develop any combination of these symptoms while taking Ketek should seek emergency medical care and pursue all long-term prescribed treatments for the best chances of survival and recovery. To reduce the risk of developing serious Ketek side effects, it's vital that patients discuss their complete medical history with their doctor before starting a course of this medication. For those who choose to take Ketek, it's also essential that they:

• Only take Ketek as directed
• Take the time to familiarize themselves with the types and symptoms of Ketek's life-threatening side effects so they know when to seek emergency medical care

Who has the highest risk?

Patients with the highest risk of developing the most severe Ketek side effects include those who:

• Have a history of a heart rhythm disorder, myasthenia gravis (a neuromuscular disease that causes muscle weakness) and/or antibiotic-related liver problems
• Are taking Propulsid (cispride) or Orap (pimozide)

FDA Ketek Warnings

In response to the growing number of injuries caused by Ketek, on Feb. 17, 2007, the FDA mandated that all Ketek packaging and medication guides include "black box" warning labels to alert the public of the drug's possibly deadly side effects. Currently, Ketek is only FDA approved for the treatment of bacterial pneumonia.

Compensation for Ketek Injuries

If you or a loved one has been harmed by Ketek and would like to discuss your circumstances with a qualified defective drug attorney, contact our law offices today. At Gacovino, Lake and Associates, our dangerous drug attorneys are dedicated to helping injured persons and families obtain compensation for their losses. Call us today and find out how we can help you.

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