Ketek Antibiotic May Help Asthma Attacks
The drug is the world’s first ketolide and is specifically designed for mild to moderate for acute respiratory tract infections such as acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, bacterial sinusitis, and community-acquired pneumonia. The medication is for patients 18 years old and older.
In a study Ketek beat drugs such as amoxicillin in a ten-day trial.
Most adverse effects were mild to moderate according to the manufacturers but research indicates that the most serious side effect is that the drug may cause sudden and severe liver damage. It can also cause blurred or double vision and trouble focusing.
“Ketek has come under scrutiny recently because in rare cases it may cause liver poisoning,” said writer Gene Emery.
Researchers say that more study on the FDA-approved drug should be done before the drug is prescribed.
According to newsinferno.com, evidence is mounting on both sides of the drug’s issues.
Public Citizen, a respected public watchdog organization says a consumer should wait seven years after a drug is placed on the market before trying it unless it is one of those rare “breakthrough” drugs that offer you a documented therapeutic advantage over older, proven drugs.
The “rule” is based on three major factors: inadequate testing, the probability that a dangerous drug will be withdrawn within seven years, and the addition of adverse reaction warnings to new drugs within their first seven years on the market.
Unfortunately once a drug is placed on the market millions of people will be exposed to it for a long period of time.
According to the June issue of Glamour Magazine, no one is protecting the public from dangerous pills and some “natural” pills were laced with stimulants, the sedative Librium, and Prozac caused by all the highs and lows of one patient.
“Most supplements are safe but experts are finding an alarming number that may not be,” said one writer. “A first step to stopping this insanity: government guidelines dictating composition, strength, purity, and quality of supplements.”
The article in the magazine urges readers to only buy pills with a seal of approval from ConsumerLab.com, U.S. Pharmacopoeia, or NSF International, and to be a skeptic.
“Asthma treatments are effective and safe but they must be used responsibly,” said Erica Evans, an asthma nurse specialist.
