A link between Benicar and gastrointestinal problems has been alleged for the past several years by patients who opted for the medication after reviewing the manufacturer’s marketing materials. After recent studies confirmed these patients did not have celiac disease, the FDA stated there was a potentially strong connection between Benicar and gastrointestinal problems.

The FDA announced this correlation in July 2013, warning patients against the potential connection between Benicar and gastrointestinal problems. The agency stated there was “clear evidence” of a link between Benicar and gastrointestinal problems including: sprue-like enteropathy, diarrhea, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms.

Injury reports indicate these gastrointestinal complications resolve themselves when the medication is discontinued, and then resume when the drug was used again. The FDA further stated these Benicar gastrointestinal problems can develop months or even years after starting the medication.

Patients often need hospitalization periods to help address the malnourished state of the patients. The FDA also noted the rate of gastrointestinal injuries was higher with Benicar use than any other medication in its class.

Before the Mayo Clinic study was submitted, it was thought that many Benicar patients were suffering from celiac disease due to the similar symptoms. Now the FDA is recommending physicians explain the potential connection between Benicar and gastrointestinal problems to patients and recommend for alternative medications.

Overview of Benicar Gastrointestinal Problems

The Mayo Clinic study was published in August 2012 when researchers observed 22 cases of Benicar patients reportedly suffering celiac disease symptoms.

After each of the patients tested negative for celiac disease and showed signs of improvement after discontinuing the drug, researchers began to suspect a link between Benicar and gastrointestinal problems. However, patients should only discontinue a medication under physician supervision.

Along with diarrhea and malnourishment, Benicar gastrointestinal problems have been allegedly inducing long-term intestinal damage in patients. Some patients who suffer severe cases of alleged Benicar gastrointestinal complications have developed villous atrophy.

This condition is characterized by partial deterioration of the small intestine, which permanently compromises the GI system’s ability to absorb nutrients from food. The most severe cases of villous atrophy can also allow for large undigested food particles into the bloodstream, which can cause dangerous reactions from the immune system that can result in full body inflammation.

Benicar was approved by the FDA in 2002 as a member of the class of drugs known as angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), which are prescribed to treat hypertension and high blood pressure. When combined with healthy diet and exercise, Benicar is supposed to lower the chances of heart disease and heart attack.

Since its release, Benicar has been prescribed to millions of patients and has become one of Daiichi Sankyo’s most popular products. However, many patients allege Daiichi Sankyo either knew or should have known about the potential link between Benicar and gastrointestinal problems.

Patients who may have experienced Benicar gastrointestinal problems should contact a lawyer to determine eligibility for legal action.