|
Ketek (Telithromycin) is an antibiotic
used to treat certain respiratory (lung and sinus)
infections, including bronchitis and pneumonia. These
conditions include acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis,
acute bacterial sinusitis, and community acquired pneumonia
of mild to moderate severity, including pneumonia caused by
resistant strep infections.
Manufactured by Sanofi-Aventis,
Ketek was first approved in April 2004 by the the United
States Food and Drug Administration ("FDA"). However, on
January 20, 2006, researchers reported three cases of severe
liver problems associated with Ketek, including one death,
in patients at a North Carolina hospital.
The fact that three cases were reported in one hospital was
cause for great concern. The FDA issued a
public health
advisory as a result of the reporting of these cases. All
three of the patients prompting the FDA's advisory developed
jaundice and abnormal liver function. One patient recovered,
one required a transplant, and one died.
As of July 2006,
there have been 4 deaths and one liver transplant associated
with Ketek, although the FDA acknowledged that the true
incidence of injuries may be higher. The FDA stated that "it
is difficult to determine the exact frequency of Ketek
associated adverse events on the basis of FDA’s mandatory
and voluntary reporting systems."
The FDA and the U.S.
Congress early in 2006 began an investigation into the
approval, use, and potentially lethal side-effects of this
drug, and on
June 29, 2006
announced that additional
warnings would be required to be placed on the
manufacturer's labeling of the product.
The signs and symptoms of liver failure include fatigue,
malaise, loss of appetite, nausea, yellow skin and dark
colored urine. If you or a loved one have ingested Ketek,
and have experienced jaundice (yellowing of the skin and/or
eyes), blurry vision, loss of appetite, dark urine, pale
stools, and/or itching or abdominal pain, see a doctor
immediately. These may all be signs of serious liver damage
potentially related to Ketek, including drug-induced
hepatitis and liver failure.
If a visit to your healthcare provider is warranted, you
also owe it to yourself to speak to an attorney to see if
you have a case and to discuss the possibility of bringing a
lawsuit to recover for your damages and injuries. The
attorney will be able to ascertain if you have a claim for
which a lawsuit can be pursued and whether the case and
lawsuit can be brought to a successful settlement, verdict,
award or other recovery. The lawyer will also be able to
advise you on any deadlines for bringing your legal claim
for damages.
Please contact the law firm of Younce & Vtipil at
1-800-811-9495 to discuss your claim. |
