Ketek Litigation at The Lanier Law Firm
Ketek was introduced to the market on April 1, 2004 by Aventis Pharmaceuticals Inc. (currently known as Sanofi-Aventis). Ketek was developed to treat adults with certain respiratory (lung and sinus) infections caused by bacteria.
On January 20, 2006, the Annals of Internal Medicine published an article reporting three cases of liver toxicity following the use of Ketek. Of the three reported cases of liver toxicity, one patient recovered, one patient needed a liver transplant and the third passed away. Examination of these patients' livers showed massive tissue death. All three had been healthy prior to their use of Ketek and were not using other prescription drugs.
Other known side effects of Ketek include hepatitis, jaundice, drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision or double vision, and nausea.
The FDA is continuing its investigation of this issue and makes the following recommendations to healthcare providers and patients:
- Healthcare providers should monitor patients taking Ketek for signs or symptoms of liver problems. Ketek should be stopped in patients who develop signs or symptoms of liver problems.
- Patients who have been prescribed Ketek and are not experiencing side effects such as jaundice should continue taking their medicine as prescribed unless otherwise directed by their healthcare provider.
- Patients who notice any yellowing of their eyes or skin or other problems like blurry vision should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
- As with all antibiotics, Ketek should only be used for infections caused by a susceptible microorganism. Ketek is not effective in treating viral infections, so a patient with a viral infection should not receive Ketek since they would be exposed to the risk of side effects without any benefit.
If you or a loved one has used Ketek and suffered any side effects, please contact our office for a free evaluation.
More Ketek Information:
FDA Public Health Advisory, Ketek Tablets
Wall Street Journal, "Fraud, Errors Taint Key Study of Widely Used Sanofi Drug"
(Written by Anna Wilde Mathews, May 1, 2006)
