The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) withdrew approval of Ketek for most uses in February 2007. This unusual action followed earlier warnings. The FDA had issued a MedWatch Alert on January 20, 2006, after the Annals of Internal Medicine reported three cases of severe liver damage in patients who had taken Ketek, an antibiotic used to treat respiratory and other drug-resistant infections. One patient died of liver failure, one required a liver transplant, and one contracted drug-induced hepatitis. The EMEA (European Medicines Agency) posted a statement on its website on January 27, 2006, asking the manufacturer of Ketek, Sanofi-Aventis, to place a stronger warning on the product. Health Canada issued a Ketek warning on February 7, 2006.
In March 2007 Sanofi-Aventis, the manufacturer of Ketek finally issued a new Dear Health care Professional letter advising physicians that there were new warnings and labels for Ketek.
Health Canada has recommended that:
Patients should discuss their history of liver-related problems with their health care provider before taking Ketek. Anyone who has suffered liver damage after taking Ketek should consult a Ketek attorney to see if they can recover damages for their injury.
Check out the following articles for more information about Ketek, filing a Ketek lawsuit and finding a Ketek attorney.
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