Dangers of Benicar Use

Learn about the dangers of using Benicar and what you should do if you suffer from its side effects.

What Is Benicar?

BENICAR and BENICAR HCT are prescription medicines used to lower high blood pressure (hypertension). They may be used alone or with other medicines used to treat high blood pressure.

How Does Benicar Work?

According to the manufacturer’s website (Daichii-Sankyo), Benicar works by blocking the chemical angiotensin II which narrows and tightens blood vessels and therefore allows blood to flow better by loosening and widening blood vessels.  This in turn reduces strain on the heart by making it easier for it to pump the blood to other parts of the body.

What Problems Are People Having With Benicar?

According to the FDA, researchers made a connection between the use of Benicar and a serious gastrointestinal condition called sprue-like enteropathy.  Gastrointestinal side effects include:

• Chronic diarrhea
• Excessive and rapid weight loss
• Vomiting
• Electrolyte imbalance

These symptoms are similar to those in people diagnosed with celiac disease in which there is no cure.  Patients who were experiencing these side effects that immediately stopped taking Benicar got rid of these symptoms and when 10 patients got back on the drug the symptoms began to reoccur in all 10 patients.

What Should I Do If I Experience The Side Effects of Benicar?

If you or a loved one have experienced one of these or other medical problems that you believe could be caused by Benicar, contact the Hensley Legal Group for a free legal consultation and to find out what can be done for you.  Contact us at (317) 472-3333 or online here.