A Florida resident has joined the multidistrict litigation against Daiichi Sankyo alleging that Benicar caused bodily injury and economic loss.

Plaintiff Cheurlie R., 39, began taking Benicar (olmesartan) in 2012. Benicar is a drug used to treat high blood pressure in individuals by causing the blood vessels in the body to dilate.

Since the blood vessels become opened as a result of taking the medication, the blood can flow more freely and allows the heart to not work so hard in pumping blood through wider vessels.

As a result of taking Benicar, Cheurlie claimed that the following injuries resulted as a response to Benicar use: severe and chronic diarrhea, severe dizziness, sprue-like enteropathy, psychological damage, severe mental and/or physical pain.

Cheurlie is also claiming economic loss due to lost earnings and continuing medical expenses.

She is brining 15 counts against the manufacturer including: products liability- design defect, failure to warn, negligence, fraud and violation of Florida state consumer protection law as well as punitive damages.

The Benicar Lawsuit is Case No. 1:15-cv-08610 in the U.S. District Court District of New Jersey Camden Vicinage and the Benicar MDL is In Re: Benicar (Olmesartan) Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 2606.

Side Effects of Benicar

While Benicar can be effective for blood pressure reduction in many individuals, some patients have experienced significant side effects from the drug. The side effects can be so severe that individuals may need to be hospitalized for treatment, and can sustain permanent damage.

Benicar’s severe side effects focus mainly on the gastrointestinal system. One of the most frequently reported side effects is chronic diarrhea. Benicar diarrhea differs from occasional bouts of the uncomfortable condition in that the chronic nature is so far-reaching that it can cause major disruption to the body, not to mention one’s personal life.

Benicar diarrhea can cause a severe electrolyte imbalance, leading to the need for hospitalization to stabilize the patient with intravenous fluids. Not only do patients experience weakness and exhaustion from this complication of the chronic diarrhea, other symptoms can manifest such as heartbeat changes, further digestive issues, bone pain, muscle spasms, anxiety, insomnia, dizziness, changes in blood pressure, confusion and irritability.

Further severe complications resulting from chronic Benicar diarrhea episodes and the resultant electrolyte imbalance include cerebral edema (brain swelling), seizures or convulsions, shock, unconsciousness and coma.

Another very common gastrointestinal issue reported by Benicar users is a condition called sprue-like enteropathy. This condition mimics Celiac disease and villous atrophy (erosion of the fingerlike projections in the small intestine) is present. However, most patients test negative for Celiac, though the symptoms overlap a great deal.

Both chronic diarrhea and sprue-like enteropathy can lead to malabsorption and malnutrition, causing the body to not have the nutrition it needs to function well.

Unfortunately, traditional diarrhea treatment and sprue-like enteropathy do not seem to work well for the Benicar-induced conditions. Typical diarrhea treatment would focus on eating foods to stop the diarrhea, anti-diarrhea medications, probiotic treatment and stool bulking agents such as psyllium husk, but these are often not enough to control the condition.

Typical treatment for the related Celiac disease to halt villous atrophy would include stopping the consumption of all gluten-containing grains, such as wheat, barley and rye, but again, dietary change does not seem to help much either.

Unfortunately, there does not seem to be a quick and easy fix to reverse the side effects of Benicar. Certainly discontinuation is recommended and the villi may begin to heal, and the diarrhea subside.  However, for some, the damage may be permanent.

Benicar Lawsuit Information

If you or a loved one has experienced severe gastrointestinal side effects after using Benicar, you may have a legal claim. An attorney can review your case at no charge and can help you explore your legal options.