Although commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure, Benicar has been linked to a number of serious side effects, several of which the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has required be added to the drug’s warning label.
These changes required that patients be warned about the increased risks for cardiovascular problems, type 2 diabetes and an intestinal condition called sprue-like enteropathy, which mimics the symptoms of celiac disease.
If you took Benicar and suffered from any of these dangerous side effects, you may be entitled to compensation through a Benicar lawsuit. The class action lawyers at Lynch Law Firm, PC can discuss your legal options with you through a free, no obligation consultation.
Call (800) 518-0508 today. We do not get paid unless you do.
Side Effects of Taking Benicar
Benicar and Benicar HCT belong to a category of drugs known as Angiotensin II Type I receptor blockers. These medications were released to the market in 2002 and are frequently prescribed to lower high blood pressure. However, some serious and dangerous side effects have been associated with these drugs, including:
- Joint pain
- Hives
- Bloody urine
- Acute kidney disease
- Kidney failure
- High cholesterol
- Muscle damage
- Extremely low blood pressure
- High levels of uric acid and fats in the blood
The FDA has released information from its Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) detailing 23 reported cases of dangerous side effects caused by taking Benicar. Significant weight loss and late on-set diarrhea were some of the most commonly reported.
Patients may also be at risk for sprue-like enteropathy, a condition similar to celiac disease in which the intestinal lining becomes inflamed and loses texture, making it difficult to absorb nutrients. This is known as villous atrophy.
Common side effects of sprue-like enteropathy include:
- Weight loss
- Weakness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Hair loss
- Nausea
- Chest pain
- Stomach cramps
- Inflammation of the stomach lining
- Chronic diarrhea
Researchers from the Mayo Clinic first discovered the link between enteropathy and Benicar in 2012. They found that 22 patients taking Benicar over a three-year period reported experiencing symptoms similar to celiac disease.
In 2013, the FDA issued a warning about the risks of developing this condition while taking Benicar or Benicar HCT.
Many patients who have suffered from these side effects claim that the drug’s manufacturer should have known about the dangers associated with its product. However, despite the evidence, it failed to warn consumers.
Because of this, several lawsuits have been filed seeking compensation for pain and suffering, medical bills, and other expenses associated with injuries from this drug. If you or someone you love has suffered after taking this medication, you may be entitled to file a Benicar lawsuit.
Contact Lynch Law Firm, PC today to learn more about filing a Benicar lawsuit.
Additional Benicar Side Effects
There have also been several studies that have identified an increased risk for type 2 diabetes among patients taking Benicar. One clinical trial analyzed by the FDA found that Benicar increased patients’ risks for developing type 2 diabetes by nine percent compared to those taking another similar blood pressure medication.
Another trial found that those taking Benicar had a higher rate of death from cardiovascular disease than those who did not take the medication.
Learn More About Filing a Benicar Lawsuit
If you were prescribed Benicar and suffered serious or life-threatening side effects, you may be entitled to file a Benicar lawsuit with the help of Lynch Law Firm, PC.
We operate on a contingency fee basis and offer you a no cost, no obligation consultation. This gives you an opportunity to have your questions answered without worry about upfront costs because we do not get paid unless we are successful with your case.
Contact Lynch Law Firm, PC today to start fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Call (800) 518-0508 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form.