Patients take Benicar to control their blood pressure and hypertension, and to treat other health issues. Although the medication has given relief to many patients, some patients have suffered serious complications, including chronic diarrhea, after taking the drug. Affected patients may be eligible to file a California Benicar lawsuit to seek compensation for their injuries.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for California. We can answer your questions and help you determine whether you have a claim against the drug maker. You could be eligible to recover damages for your condition. If you choose to pursue a claim, we can connect you with an affiliated attorney who can file a Benicar lawsuit on your behalf.
Benicar And Hypertension
High blood pressure (also known as hypertension) is described as an increased force within the arteries as the heart pumps blood throughout the body. Chronic high blood pressure can have a range of ill-effects if left untreated, including aortic bleeding, heart failure, vision problems and stroke. This condition is typically more prevalent in older patients, although people of all ages can be afflicted.
Benicar works to reduce the effects of hypertension by decreasing pressure in the blood vessels. This is made possible by olmesartan medoxomil, Benicar’s active ingredient. Known as an angiotensin II receptor blocker, olmesartan inhibits the hormone responsible for tightening blood vessels, which in turn eases high blood pressure and boost supplies of blood and oxygen to the heart. Benicar was approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002 and is sold by Daiichi Sankyo and Forest Laboratories.
Benicar Risks and Side Effects
While Benicar has been shown to provide relief to patients, the drug is also linked to a number of serious complications. According to manufacturer Daiichi Sankyo, Inc., patients taking Benicar may experience the following side effects:
- Allergic reactions
- Dizziness
- Hypotension (or low blood pressure)
- Nausea
- Respiratory tract infections
Side effects can also result from Benicar’s interaction with other drugs, including but not limited to, insulin, medications prescribed to treat depression and pain relievers. Additionally, patients must be cautious when using Benicar while suffering from certain medical conditions. Patients with kidney disease may experience effects such as swelling in ankles, hands and feet, and as a result are encouraged to discuss possible issues with their doctors before taking Benicar, according to the manufacturer’s website.
Complications Associated With Sprue-like-Enteropathy
Patients taking Benicar also run the risk of developing sprue-like enteropathy. This condition is characterized by a collection of symptoms, including chronic unexplained diarrhea/weight loss, mucosal inflammation and villous atrophy, and is often associated with celiac disease. A study conducted by the Mayo Clinic between 2008 and 2011 illustrates the severity of sprue-like enteropathy in patients taking olmesartan. Of the 22 patients exhibiting chronic diarrhea and weight loss while taking a 40 mg daily dosage of olmesartan, 64 percent required hospitalization as a result. Administration of a gluten-free diet was found to be unsuccessful towards resolving the symptoms, which ruled out a celiac diagnosis. Once the Benicar regimen was suspended, patients experienced an improvement in sprue-like enteropathy symptoms, with 18 showing histologic recovery after undergoing follow-up intestinal biopsies.
FDA Benicar Safety Warning
In 2013, the FDA issued a safety announcement regarding the use of Benicar for treatment of hypertension. In the communication, the FDA stated that it evaluated 23 serious cases that had been received by the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System. Through the evaluation, the FDA found evidence of a link between Benicar and sprue-like enteropathy. As a result, Daiichi Sankyo, Inc., was required to add a warning describing the risk of intestinal side effects to the drug’s label.
California Benicar Lawsuit Filed
Patients harmed by side effects associated with Benicar often cite manufacturer negligence as the reason for their injuries. Drug makers must provide sufficient information on risks and complications to ensure patients and the medical community are aware of the dangers of taking a drug, and many allege that Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. failed to adequately do so. The FDA is also aware of the possible risks associated with the drug and approved label changes listing significant intestinal issues related to Benicar.
Past lawsuits further highlight the seriousness of these claims. In California, in January 2015, two men filed lawsuits against the makers of Benicar after side effects led to serious gastrointestinal injury, which included chronic diarrhea, malnutrition, dehydration, kidney failure and rapid weight loss. Both men were subsequently hospitalized and now claim that their permanent injuries require continual medical monitoring.
How A California Benicar Lawsuit Attorney Can Help
Drug manufacturers have a duty to ensure their products are accompanied by full and accurate instructions and warnings to guide prescribing doctors and other health care providers in making treatment decisions. If a drug maker fails to fulfill this duty, it could be held liable in lawsuits for injuries that may result.
Patients who have been injured by Benicar may be entitled to compensation for damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish
- Loss of income or ability to work
If a patient dies from complications after taking Benicar, his or her family members may be able to pursue claims for their loved one’s wrongful death. Compensation may include:
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish from the loss of a loved one
- Loss of financial support of a loved one
- Funeral expenses
Affected patients are encouraged to speak with a California Benicar lawsuit attorney to learn more about their rights and remedies.
Contact Us For More Information
For more information, contact Attorney Group for California. You can fill out the form on this page, call us at the number listed at the top of the page, or email us at info@attorneygroup.com.
When you contact us, an attorney will follow up with you to speak with you about your case or answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
See our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information, and contact Attorney Group for California today.
