Ketek FAQ
Q: What is Ketek?
A: Ketek (telithromycin) is an antibiotic medication that is used totreat certain respiratory infections caused by bacteria, such as bronchitis andpneumonia. While Ketek kills many typesof bacteria that infect the lungs and sinuses, it does not kill viruses, suchas those that cause the common cold. Ketekis manufactured by Sanofi-Aventis and was approved bythe U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in April 2004.
Q: Are there anyspecial warnings associated with Ketek use?
A: There havebeen reports of severe liver disease associated with Ketek use. In some cases, liver damage occurred orworsened rapidly after just a few doses of Ketek. If you develop signs or symptoms of hepatitis(liver disease), such as tiredness, body aches, loss of appetite, nausea,jaundice (yellow color of the skin and/or eyes), dark urine, light-coloredstools, itchy skin, or belly pains, stop using Ketek and contact yourhealthcare professional immediately.
Also, if you have myasthenia gravis, talk to your healthcareprofessional about other treatments before taking Ketek. If you are taking Ketek and your myastheniagravis symptoms worsen (such as muscle weakness or difficulty breathing), youshould stop taking Ketek and seek immediate medical attention.
Q: What should I knowbefore taking Ketek?
A: You must nottake Ketek if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to (or haveexperienced liver-related side effects while taking) Ketekor any antibiotics known as "macrolides;" or if you arecurrently taking cisapride (Propulsid)or pimozide (Orap).
Ketek may cause vision problems, including blurred vision,double vision, and difficulty focusing. Although most reported problems aremild to moderate, some patients experience severe vision problems that mayinterfere with normal activities. If youare taking Ketek, be careful when driving a motor vehicle, operating heavymachinery, or engaging in otherwise hazardous activities.
Q: What should I tellmy healthcare professional before he or she prescribes Ketek?
A: Tell yourhealthcare professional if you have (or if a relative has) a rare heartcondition known as congenital prolongation of the QT interval; are beingtreated for heart rhythm disturbances with certain medicines known as antiarrhythmics (such as quinidine,procainamide, or dofetilide),or if you have low blood potassium (hypokalemia), orlow blood magnesium (hypomagnesemia); have a diseaseknown as myasthenia gravis; are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or arenursing; have ever experienced jaundice (yellow color of the skin and/or eyes)while taking Ketek; or have any other serious medical conditions, includingheart, liver, or kidney disease.
Q: Can other foods ormedicines affect Ketek?
A: It is important to tell your healthcare professionalabout all prescription and/or nonprescription medicines you take, includingvitamins, and herbal supplements.
Tell your healthcare professional if you take: cisapride (Propulsid) or pimozide (Orap); simvastatin, lovastatin, or atorvastatin (used for lowering cholesterol); medicinesthat correct heart rhythm called "antiarrhythmics"(such as quinidine, procainamide,or dofetilide); itraconazole,ketoconazole, midazolam, digoxin, ergot alkaloid derivatives, cyclosporine, carbamazepine, hexobarbital, phenytoin, tacrolimus, sirolimus, metoprolol, theophylline, rifampin; warfarin and other oral anticoagulants (sometimes calledblood thinners); or diuretics (also sometimes called water pills) such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide.
Q: Are there any sideeffects associated with Ketek use?
A: Ketek maycause side effects. Tell your healthcareprofessional if any of the following symptoms are severe and/or persistent: diarrhea;upset stomach; headache; dizziness; vomiting; loose stools; changes in abilityto taste; or blurred vision.
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any ofthese symptoms call your healthcare professional immediately: fainting; rapid,irregular, or pounding heartbeat; extreme tiredness; unusual bleeding orbruising; lack of energy; loss of appetite; pain in the upper right part of thestomach; yellowing of the skin or eyes; flu-like symptoms; hives; rash; itching;difficulty breathing or swallowing; swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips,eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs; or hoarseness.
Q: What should I doif I think I have been injured as a result of using Ketek?
A: If you or aloved one have experienced any dangerous symptoms orunusual medical conditions while using Ketek, you should first contact yourdoctor or other healthcare professional. You may also wish to meet with anexperienced attorney to discuss your options and to protect your right to alegal remedy for any injuries caused by Ketek use. To find an experiencedattorney, use the "Find a Lawyer" tool on this page,or click here.