Popular hypertension drug, Benicar, has been linked to cases of “sprue-like enteropathy.” The drug makers have failed to properly warn patients about the risks associated with Benicar, and, as a result, Benicar lawsuits are now being persuied by attorneys on behalf of patients. Sprue-like enteropathy can cause chronic diarrhea, weight gain, and severe problems with your gastrointestinal system.
What is Benicar?
Benicar
Benicar is a blood pressure medication. It was created by Japanese drugmaker Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. It is also known by the name olmestartan medoxomil. It was approved by the FDA in 2002 and there are as many as 11 million prescriptionsgiven for Benicar every year.
Benicar lowers blood pressure by dilating blood vessels, keeping them open wider than normal. It has been prescribed as a stand-alone prescription or in combination with other drugs.
Side Effects of Benicar
In 2014, the FDA ruled that Benicar needed a warning label stating that olmesartan medoxomil is associated with certain gastrointestinal side effects, some of which are significant.
In most cases, the side effects of Benicar are first diagnosed as Celiac disease, but later turn out to be diagnosed as sprue-like enteropathy or even villous atrophy. These are serious problems that can lead to further complications and symptoms such as chronic diarrhea, stomach pain, malnutrition, dramatic weight loss, liver impairment, kidney failure, nausea, chest pain, and more. Some patients are hospitalized due to the extent of these injuries.
Benicar now includes something called a “black box warning” – the most serious warning possible. This relates to fetal toxicity and it means that serious harm to the fetus can occur if Benicar is taken while pregnant.
Benicar Lawsuits
Benicar manufacturer, Daiichi Sankyo failed to warn patients about the risks of taking this drug. Patients have been hospitalized and severely injured due to this horrible oversight. While some injuries can not be healed, patients who have been injured by taking Benicar may have the legal right to fair financial compensation to pay for the expense of treatment, and to help them return to a stable lifestyle.
Benicar lawsuits also serve to send a message to drug manufacturers that they can not be careless, and that they can not be so obsessed with marketing and profit that they fail to tell the truth about their products.
If you have had villous atrophy or experienced any of the many harmful side effects of Benicar, we want to talk to you about your rights. Please call us today and speak with an experienced attorney. Your consultation is free and confidential.
