Benicar Gastrointestinal Injury Lawyers

Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C., is now reviewing cases of severe gastrointestinal disorders which may be linked to use of the Benicar blood pressure medication or its sister drugs, Benicar HCT and Azor.

Why Are Benicar Lawsuits Being Filed?

Patients and their families across the country have filed Benicar lawsuits against defendants Daiichi Sankyo and Forest Laboratories.  The plaintiffs assert:

  • Benicar can cause patients to suffer gastrointestinal disorders, specifically vomiting and sprue-like enteropathy; and
  • The companies failed to properly warn doctors and patients about this side effect.

In April 2015, all individual Benicar lawsuits filed in federal courts were centralized in the District of New Jersey (MDL No. 2606). Centralization helps to conserve time and resources and to avoid inconsistent rulings during pretrial proceedings. However, each lawsuit remains separate and distinct from other lawsuits and may lead to its own trial or settlement.

What Is Benicar?

Benicar (olmesartan medoxomil) is a type of angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the drug for the U.S. market in 2002 for the treatment of high blood pressure, or hypertension.

The drug blocks a chemical in the body that tends to narrow and tighten blood vessels. By relaxing and widening blood vessels, Benicar lowers a person’s blood pressure and, in turn, reduces the risk of strokes and heart attacks.

The FDA reports that, as recently as 2012, pharmacies dispensed an estimated 10.6 million Benicar, Benicar HCT and Azor prescriptions, making it one of the highest-selling blood pressure drugs in the country.

What Are Benicar Side Effects?

Despite its many benefits, Benicar also produces numerous side effects, including:

  • Dry mouth or thirst
  • Low blood pressure
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Fatigue
  • Confusion
  • Muscle pains or cramps
  • Upper respiratory tract infections
  • Kidney problems
  • Eye problems that may lead to vision loss.

The side effect at issue in current Benicar litigation is sprue-like enteropathy. This is a potentially serious intestinal problem which can produce celiac disease-like symptoms such as chronic diarrhea and significant weight loss.

The FDA issued a warning about this side effect and ordered a labeling change to reflect the risk of sprue-like enteropathy in July 2013.

According to MedPage Today, the FDA issued this warning in the wake of research by the Mayo Clinic and by the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), which had identified 40 cases of sprue-like enteropathy linked to patients’ use of olmesartan use.

“We believe it is the tip of the iceberg,” one ACG researcher said.

If you or a family member experiences Benicar side effects, seek medical assistance before you discontinue use and report your adverse event to the FDA through its MedWatch program.

What Compensation Can You Pursue in a Benicar Lawsuit?

If you have suffered gastrointestinal problems after taking Benicar, you may be eligible to pursue compensation that includes:

  • All necessary and related past and future medical expenses
  • Lost income and diminished future earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering, including emotional anguish and loss of enjoyment of life.

Whether you can pursue compensation – and, if so, the amount you could seek in damages – will depend on your unique circumstances.

Our Benicar Injury Lawyers Are Ready to Help You

If you believe that you have suffered harmful Benicar side effects, Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C., can help you.

We can provide a free consultation, thoroughly investigate your case and consult with highly qualified medical experts to determine your right to compensation.

We are a national leader in defective drug litigation. For more than 30 years, we have worked hard to protect the rights of patients and families impacted by dangerous pharmaceutical products and recovered more than $400 million for our clients.

We will charge no fees or costs unless we obtain a financial recovery for you. To get started, call or reach us online today.

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