BENICAR
Product
Benicar (olmesartan medoxomil)
Benicar HCT (olmesartan medoxomil-hydrochlorothiazide)
Tribenzor (olmesartan medoxomil, amlodpine, hydrochlorothiazide)
Azor (amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil)
Drug Class
Angiotensin receptor blocker
Indication for Use
Hypertension
Injuries
Villous atrophy
Sprue-like enteropathy
Chronic diarrhea
Vomiting
Dehydration
Weight loss
Malnutrition
About
Benicar (olmesartan) is prescribed for the treatment of hypertension and one of the 10 most widely prescribed drugs in the United States. However, Benicar can cause severe and permanent gastrointestional problems including villous atrophy, or a destruction of the villi lining the small intestines, and sprue-like enteropathy, often misdiagnosed as Celiac’s Disease. Symptoms present as chronic diarrhea, vomiting, severe dehydration, malnutrition and staggering weight loss.
On July 3, 2013, the Food and Drug Administration issued a Safety Communication, highlighting the dangers Benicar and other olmesartan products can cause. In 2014, several lawsuits against Daiichi Sankyo, the maker of Benicar, were filed in both state and federal court, and that number is expected to grow, as Benicar remains on the market.