On March 26, 2015, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation will hear oral arguments over whether to consolidate all federally-filed Benicar lawsuits. In late December 2014, a motion was filed requesting the establishment of a federal multidistrict litigation (MDL) for all federal product liability lawsuits concerning side effects allegedly caused by the popular medication Benicar. Each of the cases raises similar claims that Forest Laboratories and Daiichi Sankyo failed to adequately warn the medical community and users that the blood pressure drug may cause the development of gastro-intestinal problems, including sprue-like enteropathy.
If you or someone you love has suffered from conditions including malnutrition or chronic diarrhea, you could be eligible to file a Benicar side effects lawsuit. Contact Attorney Group to learn more about your options and to receive a free case evaluation. We can also connect you with an affiliated attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
Benicar Overview and Risks
Benicar is a medication designed to treat high blood pressure and lower a patient’s risk of heart attack and stroke.According to Benicar injury attorneys, litigation has arisen following the requirement by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to update the product’s warning label in July 2013 to reflect an increased risk of sprue-like enteropathy. The FDA was concerned that Benicar use may cause chronic diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal pain, and other symptoms, which may not surface for months or years after the patient begins to take the drug. In some cases, the side effects have been misdiagnosed as Celiac disease or unclassified sprue, resulting in continued use of the drug, which could leave patients with long-term intestinal damage.
Benicar Litigation Update
Plaintiffs argue that consolidation of all federally-filed Benicar injury lawsuits would help to prevent contradictory pretrial rulings that could otherwise be reached by various courts, reduce duplicative discovery, and to make the process more efficient for the courts, witnesses, and parties.
Both Forest Laboratories and Daiichi Sankyo, which jointly market and manufacture Benicar and other olmesartan-containing blood pressure medications, oppose the centralization of Benicar lawsuits. The manufacturers claim the cases are already in different stages of litigation, and that consolidation could hamper progress. According to a notice of hearing session issued earlier this month, the U.S. JPML will decide whether to establish the MDL following a March 26 hearing in San Diego.
Have Questions About a Benicar Injury Lawsuit? Call Us Today.
If you or a loved one has taken Benicar and experienced complications such as malnutrition, chronic diarrhea, or other gastro-intestinal symptoms, contact Attorney Group for a free, no-obligation consultation. We can connect you with an affiliated attorney who can assist you in seeking the compensation to which you may be entitled.
