Dear Customer (name blocked for privacy),
Every prescription drug that comes on the market has been through clinical studies. During these studies they document every side effect of the drug and all adverse reactions. Anything that occurs with the patients who are participating in these trials MUST be documented.
With Ketek, it was found to be very dangerous for patients who have liver disease (hepatitis, liver failure, cirrhosis, etc.) For this reason they have listed this drug to be contraindicated in patients with liver problems. It is also recommended that this drug not be taken for more than 10 days and that blood tests to check liver functions should be done if any signs of liver involvement occur during the coarse of treatment (jaundice, malaise, liver tenderness, enlarged liver, etc.) Because of potential risks to the liver, it is recommended that the "statin" drugs (used to treat high cholesterol) such as simvastatin, lovastatin, or atorvastatin should be suspended during the coarse of treatment with Ketek. These cholesterol lowering drugs have been known to have harsh effects on the liver to begin with, therefore adding Ketek might compound the problem/potential for liver involvement.
It has also been shown to have an effect on the heart's electrical rhythm. It seems to cause irregularities (known as a prolonged QT interval) seen on an EKG. For this reason Ketek is also contraindicated in patients with an underlying arrhythmia such as bradycardia (slowed heart rate), underlying prolonged QT interval, or if you have unresolved low potassium (hypokalemia), or low magnesium (hypomagnesia.)
There have been reports of syncope (dizziness, lightheadedness, possible brief loss of consciousness.) For this reason the manufacturer cautions about the potential effects of visual disturbances and syncope. They warn about driving or engaging in potentially hazardous activities until the effect of the drug is known.
Other drugs that are contraindicated are in patients who are taking cisapride or pimozide or in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to telithromycin or any macrolide antibiotic.
Patients with underlying myasthenia gravis have been contraindicated, too. This is because it was noted that treatment with Ketek may cause exacerbation of the disease.
Other symptoms were mild and common for many drugs such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headache.
If you are taking any other medications that are potentially toxic to the liver (for example the "statin" drugs I mentioned above) you should avoid taking Ketek. Or if you have underlying arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm, slow heart rate) or electrolyte imbalance, you should also avoid taking it.
Contact your doctor if you feel you are having any adverse reactions such as malaise, jaundice, liver tenderness/enlargement, etc.) Or if you experience heart arrhythmias or palpitations. Below is a website that discusses Ketek in more detail:
http://www.ketek.com/patient/home.aspx
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