posted
I've been on Ketek now for about nine months. The last few months I've had problems focusing on images while driving. Recently close up images take a second or two to snap in to focus. Also, when I look at something for a while (computer, book etc) the images start to go out of focus. Any one else with this problem? Does it last once off Ketek? My LLMD is not sure if these vision problems can be permanent and neither does the manufacturer Aventis. She has left it up to me to decide if I want to switch to Biaxin but pointed out that it does not penetrate the brain as well. I was on zith a year ago and the doc doesn't think I should go back to it. But i need a macrolide to go with the mepron for babs.
Posts: 116 | From Pennsylvania | Registered: Mar 2005
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Areneli
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6740
posted
Perhaps you have developed 'lazy' eye. Check with your ophtalmologist.
Posts: 1538 | From Planet Earth | Registered: Jan 2005
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Monica
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 224
posted
I had some blurred vision when I first started taking the drug a few months ago. Since I knew it was a side effect I didn't worry too much about it.
I wouldn't second guess your doctor and he and Aventis are probably hedging their bets, but I would suspect it's an effect of the drug.
If there is such a thing as a Lyme Literate Opthamologist I might want to check it out further.
Good luck.
Posts: 1757 | From Somerset County, NJ | Registered: Oct 2000
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posted
Hello, My husband was taking Ketek and about a week into it his vision was going very crazy. His eyes have NEVER had a problem until taking Ketek. He has now been changed to a different abx and it is back to normal. Hope this helps, Michelle
Posts: 79 | From Oxford,MA,01540 | Registered: Jul 2004
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kam
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 3410
posted
Pulled this up because I just started taking Ketek 800 mg a day for a few days now.
I took it awile back for a week or so and was fine and able to do more than usual.
This time around my eyes are being weird. Concerned because my liver has not been tested yet as the LLMD wants.
Weill call primary MOnday to ask about getting liver tested again.
Will also contact LLMD Monday.
Perhaps I should back down to 400 mg a day for now.
Don't like this weird eye stuff.
Posts: 15927 | From Became too sick to work or do household chores in 2001. | Registered: Dec 2002
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cactus
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7347
posted
I've taken ketek for about 12 mos total (with a 3 month break in the middle). Had double vision and some blurriness each time - enough to make me feel uncomfortable driving.
Liver functions always tested fine, and I've been off ketek since the beginning of this month (switched to zith), and my vision seems to be normal again.
Definitely ask your doc, though, just in case.
-------------------- �Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?� - A.A. Milne Posts: 1987 | From No. VA | Registered: May 2005
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But looking back, I think some of the symptoms were due to lyme, some due to Ketek.
Still have a slight focusing issue, but very minor. The least of my worries now.
In short, I do not think Ketek caused any permanent damage to my vision.
LC
Posts: 116 | From Pennsylvania | Registered: Mar 2005
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lymednva
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9098
posted
I've been on Ketek for almost 7 months now and had those eye probelms BEFORE the Ketek. I haven't noticed any worsening of the problems since I've been on Ketek.
-------------------- Lymednva Posts: 2407 | From over the river and through the woods | Registered: Apr 2006
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kam
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 3410
posted
I have had vision problems since coming down with this.
I learned on lyme chat last night that I was taking too much Ketek.
The sample packet says 400 mg on it. I thought that was for both pills.
It turns out it is for one pill so I was taking 1600 mg a day when I was supposed to be taking 800 mg.
WE shall see how things go today...regarding the wierd stuff with the eyes as I backed off and am not going to take any meds today.
When I start back tomorrow, I will just take two tablets a day instead of 4.
Posts: 15927 | From Became too sick to work or do household chores in 2001. | Registered: Dec 2002
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Jill E.
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9121
posted
I often post about Ketek but only in regards to liver issues, since mine was severely damaged by it.
However, a friend of mine who posts on a different Lyme board, but rarely here, has given me permission to post a response on her behalf.
On Ketek, she developed visual pathway problems. I don't know enough to describe her symptoms, however I know she went through brain scans and more. A neuro-opthalmologist who is Lyme friendly diagnosed it as a visual pathway condition.
Her case was reported to Aventis (I'm not sure if she reported it or if her doctor did. I know in my case my hepatologist did).
She has had visual problems for two years - obviously long after stopping Ketek.
Aventis has been corresponding with her about her case.
She asked me to recommend contacting Aventis and reporting any symptoms like you are describing.
I know for me personally I had visual problems from Lyme before Ketek and the Ketek did not seem to worsen them.
Jill
-------------------- If laughter is the best medicine, why hasn't stand-up comedy cured me? Posts: 1773 | From San Diego | Registered: Apr 2006
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