01/02/2006 (Agence Europe) - The European Medicines Agency (EMEA) has called on Aventis Pharma S.A. (Sanofi Aventis group) to amend its warnings accompanying its telithromycin based Ketek antibiotic (part of the macrolides family of drugs), following several cases of acute hepatitis, some of which have been fatal. This precaution was taken while waiting for the results of a benefits/risk study of the product in the remit of current procedures for renewing centralised marketing authorisation. Those prescribing the drug are being called on to use this antibiotic with caution when patients have liver impairment. If symptoms of hepatitis are experienced, such as loss of appetite, yellowing of skin and eyes, dark urine, patients are advised to cease treatment and consult their doctors.