Ketek Investigation

A confidential FDA Ketek memo has become public; the report reveals twelve cases of liver failure including four deaths associated with antibiotic medication Ketek (generic: telithromycin). The Wall Street Journal reported about the memo, but the FDA is not releasing it publicly. New concerns have been raised about Ketek’s liver risks, and a strong black box warning may be placed on Ketek’s label. In January 2006, Dr. John Hanson, who works in the liver transplant center at Carolinas Medical Center, reported three cases of liver toxicity in three patients taking Ketek. One took Ketek for only five days and ultimately died from liver failure. Another underwent a liver transplant, and the third eventually recovered from hepatitis. Ketek was formally approved by the FDA on April 1, 2004, after two previous application rejections in 2001 and 2003. It was approved for the treatment of respiratory infections including sinusitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Ketek is a ketolide antibiotic.

Our office is currently investigating potential claims regarding side effects from the use of Ketek. If  If you or a loved one was prescribed Ketek and has suffered any of the side effects listed above, please contact our office at (317) 633- 8787 or (800) 905-2856 or click here to e-mail our office.

If you are currently handling Ketek cases and are interested in a co-counsel arrangement, please contact our office at (317) 633- 8787 or (800) 905-2856 or click here to e-mail our office.