WHAT IS BENICAR? WHY IS IT PRESCRIBED?
Benicar — generic name olmesartan medoxomil, referred to as olmesartan — is a blood pressure medication. It is used to lower blood pressure.
Made by Daiichi Sankyo, Benicar was approved by the FDA in 2002 for the treatment of high blood pressure.
Other drugs that contain Benicar include Benicar HCT, Azor (amlodipine and olmesartan), Tribenzor (amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide and olmesartan) and generics.
HOW DOES BENICAR WORK?
Benicar belongs to the class of drugs called ARBS — Angiotensin Receptor Blockers. ARBS block the hormone angiotensin from constricting the blood vessels. Benicar causes the blood vessels to relax (dilate), allowing blood to flow more easily, thereby lowering blood pressure.
BENICAR AND SEVERE GASTROINTESTINAL SIDE EFFECTS
A study done at the Mayo Clinic in 2012 showed that taking Benicar increased the patient’s risk of an intestinal condition known as sprue-like enteropathy. Sprue-like enteropathy is characterized by severe, chronic diarrhea and substantial weight loss.
In July of 2013, the FDA ordered the manufacturers to add a warning to the label about the risk of enteropathy on Benicar, Benicar HCT, Azor, Tribenzor, and generics containing olmesartan.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
If you or someone you love has taken Benicar or any other olmesartan-containing blood pressure medication and suffered severe gastrointestinal side effects, including chronic diarrhea and weight loss, you may have a legal claim for damages against the manufacturer. Call our Massachusetts Benicar lawyers toll free at 1-888-341-1405, or tell us your story using our online contact form.
TRUST OUR MASSACHUSETTS BENICAR LAWYERS TO HELP
Contact the Boston law firm of Thornton Law Firm LLP online or at 1-888-341-1405 for a free consultation with a recognized leader in Massachusetts drug and medical device litigation. You have nothing to risk. We offer a fair and accurate assessment of your case.
