Ketek

Ketek® is an antibiotic most frequently prescribed for patients with chronic bronchitis; acute bacterial sinusitis; and community acquired pneumonia of mild to moderate severity, including pneumonia caused by resistant strep infections.

On June 29, 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ordered the makers of Ketek® to put a stronger warning on the drug labels because of its link to serious liver injury, liver failure and death. The FDA said it could not determine how frequently Ketek® was associated with adverse events, and concluded that it should stay on the market.

Symptoms: Patients on Ketek® should be vigilant, and watch for these signs and symptoms of liver failure:

• fatigue
• malaise
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• yellow skin
• dark-colored urine