Benicar is a medication that is often prescribed to patients to treat high blood pressure. While many patients benefit from the drug, some patients have experienced severe gastrointestinal issues, including chronic diarrhea, and other complications after taking Benicar. Affected patients may be eligible to file a Georgia Benicar lawsuit to seek compensation for their injuries.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Georgia. 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.
What is Hypertension?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines blood pressure as the force of blood as it pushes against the walls of the arteries on its way from the heart to the rest of the body. It is normal for blood pressure to rise and fall throughout a typical day, but hypertension occurs if it stays elevated for a long period of time. High blood pressure can lead to more serious complications, including stroke and heart disease, especially if nothing is done to get it under control.
The CDC reports that only half of Americans with hypertension have maintained control of their condition, which can be done through diet, exercise, lifestyle changes or medication. According to Augusta University, one in four Americans deal with high blood pressure. Some of the unhealthy behaviors that can lead to hypertension include the following:
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Drinking alcohol
- Eating too much sodium
- Inadequate physical activity
While changing these behaviors can help, sometimes medication is required to truly get things under control.
What is Benicar Designed to Do?
One popular hypertension medication that many doctors prescribe is Benicar. This drug belongs to a class of medications called angiotensin receptor blockers. According to its manufacturer, Daiichi Sankyo, Inc., Benicar is designed to prevent the release of the chemical angiotensin II into the bloodstream. By doing so, the drug helps to keep the blood vessels relaxed and widened, allowing blood to flow more freely from the heart, and reducing the pressure on the vessel walls.
Benicar Risks and Side Effects
While Benicar is effective at reducing high blood pressure, there are risks associated with taking the drug. Some of the more common side effects associated with Benicar include back pain, headache, difficulty breathing, fever, chills and body aches.
In recent years, some patients have come forward claiming that Benicar caused severe intestinal problems similar to the symptoms seen in those with celiac disease. Called sprue-like enteropathy, these reports led to an investigation into the drug by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In July 2013, the FDA issued a safety announcement in which the agency warned patients and doctors of the potential risk for gastrointestinal symptoms caused by Benicar. In the announcement, the FDA reported that the drug can cause severe diarrhea, weight loss and malnourishment, which could lead to hospitalization.
Georgia Benicar Lawsuit Filed
Two lawsuits filed by Benicar patients in Georgia illustrate the allegations being brought forth by plaintiffs across the country. One woman claims that Benicar caused her to suffer from chronic diarrhea, malnutrition, dehydration and rapid weight loss that landed her in the hospital. In the other lawsuit, a man alleges that his severe gastrointestinal injuries were caused by Benicar after beginning to take the drug in 2011. Both plaintiffs were hospitalized by their conditions. In both cases, the plaintiffs claim that Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. was aware of the symptoms that could arise after long-term use of the drug, but that the manufacturer continued to promote and market Benicar as a safe option for treating hypertension.
How a Georgia 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 Georgia Benicar lawsuit attorney to learn more about their rights and remedies.
Contact Us for More Information
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Georgia. 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 Georgia today.
