Q: What is Ketek?

A: Ketek, from the classification telithromycin, is an antibiotic medicine for the treatment of some respiratory infections as a result of bacteria, such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Ketek has the ability to kill many kinds of bacteria that infect the sinuses and lungs but it does not eliminate viruses that can cause colds. Ketek is manufactured by Sanofi-Aventis and was granted approval in April 2004 by the US Food and Drug Administration.

Q: Is there any special warning associated with the use of Ketek?

A: There were reports of acute liver ailment associated with the use of Ketek. There are some incidences where it results to liver damage and it gets worst after several doses of Ketek. Here are some symptoms that may indicate that you may have liver disease or hepatitis:

• Body aches
• Loss of appetite
• Extreme exhaustion
• Jaundice, characterized by yellowish skin and/or eyes
• Nausea
• Light stools
• Dark urine
• Itchy skin
• Stomach pain

When those symptoms appear, you have to discontinue using Ketek and contact your healthcare provider soonest possible.

If you have myasthenia gravis, discuss this condition with your healthcare provider for other treatment before taking Ketek. But if you are taking Ketek and you notice that your myasthenia gravis gets worst like muscles weakness or difficulty in breathing, you should discontinue taking Ketek and seek medical attention right away.

Q: What shall I need to know before taking Ketek?

A: You must avoid taking Ketek if you have some allergies to or have suffered liver-related side effects while taking Ketek or any antibiotics known as “macrolides,” or if you presently taking cisapride in the form of Propulsid, or primozide in the form of Orap. Ketek may cause some vision problems which include hazy or blurred vision, double vision, and difficulty on focusing. Since most of the reported problems range from mild to moderate, there are some patients who experience serious vision problems that may impede with your normal activities. If you are taking Ketek, you have to take be careful when driving a motor vehicle, or operating a heavy machinery, or doing hazardous activities.

Q: What shall I tell my healthcare provider before he/she prescribes Ketek?

A: Inform your healthcare provider if you:

• Have or any member of the family, have an uncommon heart condition known as congenital prolongation of the QT interval
• Are undergoing some treatment for heart rhythm problems using medicines known as antiarrhythmics (in the form of quinidine,procainamide, or defetilide)
• Have low blood potassium, a condition known hypokalemia
• Have low blood magnesium, a condition called hypomagnesemia
• Have myasthenia gravis
• Have or past history of having jaundice, a condition characterized by yellow skin and/or eyes while taking Ketek
• Are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or are breastfeeding your baby
• Have other severe medical conditions which include heart, kidney, or liver problems

Q: Can other foods or medicines affect Ketek?

A: It is essential to inform your healthcare provider all about the prescription and/or nonprescription medicines you are taking, including vitamins and herbal supplements. Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• Cisapride, in the form of Propulsid or pimozide in the form of Orap
• Simvastatin, lovastatin, or atorvastatin (treatment for reducing cholesterol)
• Medications that rectify heart rhythm known as antiarrhythmics (in the form of quinidine, procainamide, or dofetilide)
• Itraconazole, ketonazole, midazolam, digoxin, ergot alkaloid derivatives,cyclosporine, caramazeprine, hexoarital, phenytoin, tacrolimus,sirolimus, metoprolol, theophylline, rifampin)
• Warfarin and other oral anticoagulants which is also known as blood thinners
• Diuretics which is also known as water pills, in the form of furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide

Q: Is there any side effects associated with the use of Ketek?

A: Ketek may cause certain side effects. Inform your healthcare provider if you have one or more of the following symptoms and if they are severe or persistent:

• Upset stomach
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Changes in the ability to taste
• Loose stools
• Blurred or hazy vision

The following are more serious side effects and if you suffer one or more of these, contact your healthcare provider soonest possible:

• Rapid, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
• Fainting
• Extreme exhaustion
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Loss of appetite
• Lack of energy
• Pain in the upper right side of the stomach
• Flu-like symptoms
• Yellowing of the skin and/or eyes
• Skin rashes
• Hives
• Itching
• Difficulty in breathing or swallowing
• Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, lower legs
• Hoarseness

Q: What shall I do if I think I have been injured as a consequence of using Ketek?

A: If you or any of your family members have suffered from any of the symptoms or unusual medical conditions while taking Ketek, you should, first of all, contact your doctor or healthcare provider. Then, you may want to find an experienced lawyer to discuss your options and to safeguard your legal rights to remedy for any injury sustained which was caused by taking Ketek.