A new Benicar sprue–like enteropathy lawsuit was recently filed in federal court against the pharmaceutical manufacturer Daiichi Sankyo Inc and Forest Laboratories.

The lawsuit alleges that the plaintiff suffered from severe IBS symptoms after taking the olmesartan blood pressure drug, Benicar.

Plaintiff Cheurlie R., a resident of Miami, Florida began using Benicar, an olmesartan product, after being prescribed the medication by a medical professional.

According to the Benicar lawsuit, after taking the medication, Cheurlie began to suffer from severe and chronic diarrhea, sprue-like enteropathy, severe dizziness, psychological damage, and other serious mental and physical pain.

The Benicar lawsuit alleges that the Daiichi Sankyo and Forest Laboratories violated consumer protection laws. Claims asserted against the companies include design defect, gross negligence, fraudulent concealment, breach of warranty, unjust enrichment, and failure to warn.

Cheurlie is asking for compensatory damages, punitive damages, and attorneys fees.

What is Benicar?

Benicar is a popular medication prescribed to treat high blood pressure.  The blood pressure medication works by preventing blood vessels from narrowing.  This helps to lower blood pressure and improves blood flow in the body. Over 11 million prescriptions are written for Benicar each year.

In 2013 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration released a drug safety warning concerning Benicar.  According to the FDA warning, medications containing Olmesartan, like Benicar, may cause severe IBS symptoms or sprue-like enteropathy.

Sprue-like Enteropathy and Other Benicar Side Effects

Sprue-like enteropathy is a serious condition of the intestine.  The condition is known to cause chronic diarrhea and other symptoms similar to celiac disease.

According to medical professionals, symptoms of sprue-like enteropathy generally disappear once the patient stops taking Benicar.  But, in some serious cases, the condition can cause permanent intestinal damage known as villous atrophy.

Villous atrophy is caused by the deterioration and decay of villa lining the intestinal tract. It is often associated with celiac disease.  Villous atrophy prevents the intestine from absorbing nutrients and often results in malnutrition and dehydration.

Because the symptoms of celiac disease and sprue-like enteropathy are so similar many patients suffering from Benicare IBS symptoms and sprue-like enteropathy are misdiagnosed with an autoimmune disease.

Benicar Lawsuits

A sufficient number of Benicar lawsuits have been filed across the US that multidistrict litigation has been initiated.  Multidistrict litigation is the process of funneling cases that share similar parties, facts, and circumstances before a single court.  This helps to create consistency and efficiency throughout the discovery process and pretrial motions.

Sometimes one or two test cases are tried to help the remaining parties with settlement discussions. Cases that are not settled after pretrial motions have finished are generally returned back to their original jurisdiction.

Plaintiffs who have suffered IBS symptoms or sprue-like enteropathy while taking or after taking Benicar may be able to bring a lawsuit against the pharmaceutical manufacturer.  Successful plaintiffs may receive compensation for their pain and suffering, along with their past and future medical bills.

The Benicar Sprue-like Enteropathy Lawsuit is In Re: Benicare (Olmesartan) Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 2606, in the US District Court in the District of New Jersey in Camden Vicinage.