(407) 712-7300The law office of Colling Gilbert Wright in Orlando, Florida has begun investigating the antibiotic Ketek (generic telithromycin) and its link to several serious side effects:
- Liver damage
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Respiratory failure
- Temporary blindness
- Death
Ketek is prescribed for patients with three specific conditions: community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), acute bacterial sinusitis (ABS), or acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis (AECB). If you or someone you love was prescribed Ketek and later experienced any of the above side effects, you might have an injury claim against the makers of Ketek. Call Colling Gilbert Wright at (407) 712-7300 for a free evaluation of your case.
FDA Actions
Originally, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) refused approval of Ketek, asking for further safety analysis (in 2001 and 2003). In 2004, the FDA approved Ketek for treating the three conditions listed above (CAP, ABS, and AECB).
In 2006, cases were brought to the FDA’s attention where serious liver problems had followed use of Ketek. The FDA instructed Sanofi Aventis to add a warning to the Ketek label but did not withdraw its approval of Ketek.
In approving Ketek, the FDA relied not on U.S. studies, but on several studies conducted in Europe. Allegedly, the U.S. studies were incomplete and/or inconclusive.
Side Effects of Ketek
Many of the side effects listed below are suggestive of liver or heart problems, both of which are serious conditions and need immediate medical attention:
- Extreme tiredness and lack of energy
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Flu-like symptoms or hoarseness
- Rapid, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
- Reduced appetite
- Swelling of the face, throat, lips, tongue, eyes, hands, lower legs, ankles, or feet
- Pain in the upper right part of the stomach
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Fainting
- Hives or an itchy rash
Sanofi Aventis has two warnings on its website about the danger of prescribing Ketek for anybody who has myasthenia gravis. Myasthenia gravis is a chronic autoimmune disease that weakens the skeletal muscles. Ketek can worsen the condition of myasthenia gravis sufferers.
Do I Have a Valid Claim?
If you answer “yes” to these three questions, it is likely that you do have a valid claim:
- Have you taken Ketek tablets?
- Have you suffered severe liver damage while or soon after taking Ketek? (That would be liver failure requiring a transplant, hepatitis requiring hospitalization, or death.)
- Do you have medical records indicating your use of Ketek and the subsequent liver damage?
If you answered “yes” to these questions, or if you or a loved one suffered serious side effects or died while using Ketek, please call (407) 712-7300 or email us today to schedule a free initial consultation. We work on a contingency basis, meaning that we would not be paid until you received monetary damages whether through a verdict or settlement from your claim
