Recently the prescription drug Benicar (Olmesartan medoxomil) has been at the forefront of numerous lawsuits pertaining to the drug’s serious side-effects. The lawsuits are aimed at the manufacturer of the drug Daiichi Sanko, because of a lack of warnings regarding the risks of severe gastrointestinal symptoms associated with sprue-like enteropathy, a pathology of the intestine.
The experienced drug injury lawyers at Portner & Shure, want you to know that we take drug injury cases seriously as no one should be hurt trying to receive help with a medical condition. We will fight on your behalf to make sure that you’re compensated fairly for the pain and suffering the dangerous drug caused you.
If you or someone you love has taken Benicar and has experienced any serious side-effects, contact us today at (410) 995-1515 for your free consultation.
What Is Benicar?
Benicar is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) prescription drug prescribed to treat high blood pressure. Since its approval by the FDA in 2002, it was the most widely prescribed blood pressure medication in the country. The medication works by blocking receptors that cause blood vessels to constrict, thereby allowing blood vessels to become dilated.
Benicar is prescribed to adults and children who are at least six years old and can sometimes be given with other blood pressure medications.
Benicar Lawsuits
Over 1,700 claims have been filed against the manufacturer of Benicar, Daiichi Sankyo, for severe gastrointestinal problems. In 2012, the Mayo Clinic completed a three-year study on the drug and released an article concluding that Benicar was associated with serious intestinal conditions. In response, in 2013 the FDA issued a warning that the drug can cause sprue-like enteropathy (intestinal problems). Lawsuits quickly ensued following this warning.
Injuries & Side-Effects
The popular blood pressure medication can cause serious gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhea and villous atrophy (a disorder that causes the intestinal lining to lose texture and makes nutrient absorption difficult). Without proper nutrient absorption, affected persons become malnourished, nauseous, and lose weight.
The difficulty with properly diagnosing these side effects is that oftentimes these symptoms reveal themselves as celiac disease, which proves to be incorrect. If this condition goes untreated, a person can starve to death because their body cannot absorb any nutrients from food.
Side-effects caused by the use of Benicar include:
- Chronic diarrhea
- Significant weight loss
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Malnutrition
- Dehydration
- Kidney failure
- Other stomach/intestinal issues
If you have experienced any of the above symptoms it’s recommended you seek medical attention immediately.
Compensation We Can Pursue
When it comes to defective products, especially medications, our experienced lawyers fight to make sure that you’re taken care of in your time of need. To have a successful lawsuit you must have been taking Benicar, developed serious gastrointestinal problems as a result of taking the drug, and suffered physical, emotional, or financial losses. If this applies to you, we can pursue compensation related to:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation bills
- Lost wages from missed work
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral expenses (in the event of wrongful death)
Contact Our Experienced Lawyers Today
We handle personal injury cases on a contingency basis, meaning we do not charge a fee unless we obtain compensation for you.
