Benicar is a blood pressure medication sold by Daiichi Sankyo and Forest Laboratories. The drug is a member of a class of medications known as angiotensin II receptor blockers, or ARBs. While the drug has proven successful in lowering blood pressure for many patients, others have experienced severe gastrointestinal issues, including chronic diarrhea, and other complications after taking the drug. Affected patients may be eligible to file a Florida Benicar lawsuit to seek compensation for their injuries.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Florida. 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.
Blood Pressure Medication
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can cause serious complications if it is not treated. When the blood exceeds the normal level of pressure against the insides of the veins, it can cause heart failure, stroke, and issues with blood flow to the lower extremities, as well as kidney disease and vision problems.
Reducing sodium, drinking plenty of water, eating a healthy diet and exercising are some of the lifestyle changes doctors typically recommend. However, they may also prescribe medication. The American Heart Association points out that there are many different types of drugs that lower blood pressure, and they do not all work the same way. For example, beta-blockers help the heart by lowering the rate of the beats and reducing the pressure. Calcium channel blockers also reduce the heart rate while relaxing the blood vessels so that they open and allow the blood to flow with less force.
One of the chemicals in the body, angiotensin II, causes the blood vessels to constrict. When the heart is already having trouble pumping the blood through the body, this can lead to further strain. Angiotensin II receptor blockers keep that chemical from causing the blood vessels to constrict and allow the walls of the veins to stay open. They may also be of help in reducing the amount of sodium in the system because it is eliminated from the kidneys more easily.
Benicar Complications and Side Effects
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a number of different ARBs, including olmesartan medoxomil, or Benicar. Benicar was approved for use by the FDA in 2002. Even though this drug was thought to be safe for many years, previously unidentified side effects have allegedly affected many patients who have taken it. These side effects mimic celiac disease, which damages the intestines and causes severe diarrhea and other digestive problems. Once the symptoms were linked to Benicar, patients were instructed to stop taking it and most patients recovered from the adverse reactions.
In spite of the drug’s apparent success in many patients suffering from hypertension, some have experienced a range of side effects after being prescribed Benicar. The Mayo Clinic lists potential side effects associated with angiotensin II receptor blockers like Benicar, including:
- Diarrhea
- A feeling of dizziness or lightheadedness
- Back and/or leg pain
- Nasal congestion
Patients with certain medical conditions, or taking certain drugs, also face the possibility of more serious side effects occurring. These include kidney or liver failure, tissue swelling, a decrease in white blood cells and allergic reactions. Due to the risk of birth defects, women who are planning to become pregnant, or who are currently pregnant, should not take Benicar, the Mayo Clinic cautions.
Some patients allege that the severity of the chronic diarrhea has caused them to sustain permanent injuries to the colon, kidneys and other organs. When the lining of the intestines is damaged, it can prevent the body from being able to absorb nutrients from food, which leads to malnutrition, weight loss and other health problems. There are also claims that using the medication caused some to develop pockets, or diverticula, in the intestines. This condition typically causes inflammation, pain and frequent infections.
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.
How A Florida 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 Florida Benicar lawsuit attorney to learn more about their rights and remedies.
Contact Us For More Information
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Florida. 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 Florida today.
