Daiichi Sankyo is facing a growing multidistrict litigation (MDL), over olmesartan-associated enteropathy allegations from numerous Benicar patients. One of the most recent cases of alleged olmesartan-associated enteropathy is from a Florida couple, claiming the wife had suffered serious Benicar gastrointestinal complications.

Plaintiff couple Bonita J. and Daniel J. are conjointly filing this Benicar enteropathy lawsuit, after Bonita reportedly experienced olmesartan-associated enteropathy soon after starting the medication. According to the couple, Bonita was prescribed Benicar (olmesartan) for typical treatment purposes in March 2011.

During the course of her Benicar prescription, Bonita reportedly followed all medical instructions and physician’s advice. Even though Bonita had followed all necessary precautions, she still reportedly experienced olmesartan-associated enteropathy and other serious complications.

According to the Benicar enteropathy lawsuit, Bonita had suffered a wide range of enteropathy symptoms including abdominal pain, severe weight loss, inflammation, malnutrition, malabsorption, dehydration, kidney failure, sprue like enteropathy, and chronic gastrointestinal damage.

These alleged olmesartan-associated enteropathy symptoms eventually resulted in Bonita being hospitalized, and needing surgical procedures like a colonoscopy and endoscopy.

Bonita and Daniel opted to file legal action against the Japanese pharmaceutical giant, Daiichi-Sankyo, after discovering the company may have known the dangers associated with olmesartan-associated enteropathy.

Overview of Olmesartan-Associated Enteropathy Complications

Benicar is a popular hypertension medication that is typically used to treat high blood pressure and prevent heart disease. This medication is supposed to prolong the patient’s life, when combined with diet and exercise. However, some patients have reportedly experienced serious side effects from olmesartan-associated enteropathy.

The alleged correlation was noted in an August 2012 study, published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings that had highlighted 22 cases of Benicar patients. Each of these patients reportedly exhibited olmesartan-associated enteropathy, and had tested negative for celiac disease.

These patients were tested for celiac disease due to the nature of their symptoms which included chronic diarrhea, vomiting, malnutrition, malabsorption, sprue like enteropathy, and villous atrophy. After the Mayo Clinic submitted the study to the FDA, the agency submitted an official warning regarding Benicar gastrointestinal complications in July 2013.

The federal health agency stated that there was “clear evidence” of possible olmesartan-associated enteropathy. The agency also warned that these side effects can happen months or even years after a Benicar prescription. In the most serious cases, permanent damage to the small intestine occurs and causes long term problem with absorbing nutrients from food.

Even though these problems can be devastating to patients, Daiichi Sankyo allegedly failed to notify patients. Bonita and Daniel’s Benicar enteropathy lawsuit reflects similar claims as those in MDL No. 2606, claiming that the drug lacked any kind of warning.

Patients also allege they received no warnings from the pharmaceutical company, with their physicians largely unaware of potential olmesartan-associated enteropathy.

By joining an MDL, the Benicar enteropathy lawsuit can be quickly streamlined through the litigation process. Bonita states that she never would have opted for Benicar if she had known the risk of olmesartan-associated enteropathy.

This Benicar Enteropathy Lawsuit is Case No.1:17-cv-04610-RBK-JS, in the U.S. District Court of New Jersey, Camden Vicinage Division.