Ketek and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

Imagine you have a cough that is getting worse. You consult with your doctor to find you have a respiratory infection for which you are given a prescription for Ketek (Telithromycin) a new FDA approved antibiotic. You believe you are getting the most up to date, cutting edge medicine. Instead, unbeknownst to you, you are being put at risk for severe liver injury, kidney failure, adverse cardiac reactions, vision impairment and circulatory problems. One of the most harrowing adverse reactions results in Stevens Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (SJS/TEN) diseases that attack the mucous membranes causing blisters and internal burns and possible blindness. Since 2004, Ketek has been available on the American market ostensibly to treat respiratory tract infections, acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, sinusitis and community acquired pneumonia. Here’s why. French drug giant, Sanofi-Aventis has aggressively marketed and received FDA approval despite revelations of fraud in the clinical trials. In fact, at least one doctor hired by Aventis, Dr. Ann Campbell was convicted of fraud and sentenced to prison so egregious was her conduct in obtaining favorable results for the drug. Now under congressional investigation, Aventis and the FDA are under fire as the safety and effectiveness of the drug is entirely questioned. Ketek has also been prescribed to treat simple colds and coughs, a use for which the drug was never intended, exposing many to a dangerous high potency antibiotic.

How can something so simple like treating your child for a fever turn into a tragedy like Stevens Johnson Syndrome? Unfortunately if this has happened to you, you’re not the only one asking this question.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) And its more severe form called Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) are life threatening serious skin disorders which can result in blindness, organ dysfunction and death. (1) These symptoms include rash, redness and blisters. Absent warning of these symptoms mothers and fathers all too often continue to give their children the drug making allowing for a simple skin problem to progress to a life altering condition like SJS or TEN. The law office of Brian Witzer specializes in getting compensation for victims of the pharmaceutical industries negligence. We thrive on taking on the big companies and have the resources and expertise to do it. If you have been wronged and wish to seek justice fill out the case evaluation form.

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Practice Areas: Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Pharmaceutical Litigation, Ketek, Products Liability, Hazardous Materials, Toxic Torts, Environmental Litigation, Mold Litigation, Construction Defect, Premises Liability, Motor Vehicle/Motorcycle, Accidents involving: Brain Injury and Head Trauma, Insurance Bad Faith