Some patients who have been prescribed the blood pressure medication Benicar claim that they experienced severe gastrointestinal side effects and other complications, including chronic diarrhea. Some allege that the side effects have become serious issues, even requiring hospitalization. Affected patients may be eligible to file a Nevada Benicar lawsuit to seek compensation for their injuries.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Nevada. 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 Causes High Blood Pressure?
According to Get Healthy Clark County, high blood pressure occurs when the force of blood in the arteries is at an elevated level for a long period of time, which can lead to serious health effects, including heart disease, stroke and even blindness. In healthy patients with normal blood pressure, levels rise and fall throughout the day. Those with hypertension, on the other hand, have high levels all of the time.
The University of Nevada lists several risk factors associated with developing hypertension. They include being overweight, not participating in physical activity, having a family history of the condition, age and race. It is unknown exactly what causes high blood pressure, but these factors often play a role.
What Does Benicar Do?
Benicar is a type of blood pressure lowering medication called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Benicar works to help relax the blood vessels, which become tight and restricted when angiotensin II is released naturally into the bloodstream. When blood vessels are restricted, the heart has to pump harder to move blood through the body, so stopping the release of angiotensin II can reduce the effort the heart has to put forth. Patients who are prescribed Benicar take the once-daily oral tablet at around the same time each day and are encouraged not to miss or skip doses, as it could lead to a return of high blood pressure levels.
Benicar and the FDA
The FDA approved Benicar as a treatment option for hypertension in 2002, but since then has received adverse event reports that have led to reviews of the drug’s potential harmful effects. In 2013, a safety communication released by the FDA warned patients and those in the health care industry of the possibility of developing a condition called sprue-like enteropathy, which has symptoms like those claimed in numerous lawsuits against the manufacturers.
Before releasing the safety communication, the FDA looked into 23 cases that were received through the administration’s adverse reporting system. In each case, the severe symptoms stopped and in some cases were reversed when Benicar use was discontinued. While the drug is still approved for use by the FDA, there are now additional warnings on Benicar’s labels, providing the information that many plaintiffs claim was needed several years ago when approval was first given.
Benicar Lawsuits Filed
In July 2015, a Nevada woman filed a lawsuit against the manufacturers of Benicar alleging that she developed severe gastrointestinal side effects after taking the drug. According to the woman, she suffered from chronic diarrhea, significant weight loss and malnutrition, to the point of needing hospitalization. Her lawsuit also claims that she ended up with kidney failure. The woman’s lawsuit, as well as many others filed across the country, alleges that Daiichi Sankyo, Inc., and Forest Laboratories knew of the potential side effects of Benicar, but failed to provide adequate warning.
How a Nevada 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 Nevada Benicar lawsuit attorney to learn more about their rights and remedies.
Contact Us for More Information
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Nevada. 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 Nevada today.
