The findings of a recent Mayo Clinic study shows why the hypertension drug Benicar causes sprue-like enteropathy, which can cause chronic diarrhea and symptoms similar to celiac disease, possibly leading to permanent gastrointestinal damage.

In a study published this month in the journal Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, researchers found a strong link between the use of olmesartan-based blood pressure drugs like Benicar, and sprue-like enteropathy complications.

Side Effects of Benicar

Although the drug has been on the market in the United States for more than 10 years, it was only recently that consumers and medical professionals became aware of the connection between Benicar and intestinal problems.

Because doctors were unaware for so long of the link between the drug and sprue-like enteropathy, many patients suffering from chronic diarrhea continued to use the medication, thereby increasing their risk of permanent intestinal damage.

In an effort to determine whether there was a connection between Benicar and intestinal damage, the researchers biopsied 11 patients before they stopped taking the medication and 17 others after discontinuing the drug. The study authors indicated the patients’ responses were similar to symptoms of celiac disease.

In both Benicar sprue-like enteropathy and celiac disease, an increase of CD8+ cells was observed. These cells cause the body to react negatively to certain substances, such as gluten for celiac disease and the drug itself for Benicar users.

FDA Warns About Benicar Complications

The first reports suggesting a link between Benicar and intestinal side effects was published in July 2012, when researchers from the Mayo Clinic highlighted a number of cases of patients suffering from symptoms similar to celiac disease. Treatment for celiac disease was ineffective, according to researchers, but once patients stopped taking Benicar, their chronic diarrhea and intestinal problems subsided.

In July 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a drug safety communication warning for the first time about the connection between Benicar and sprue-like enteropathy.

Benicar Lawsuits

As more information comes to light about the risk of sprue-like enteropathy and other side effects, consumers throughout the country are expected to pursue lawsuits against Daiichi Sankyo and Forest Laboratories. In April, Benicar lawsuits were centralized in a multidistrict litigation presided over by U.S. District Judge Robert Kugler in a New Jersey federal court.

If you took Benicar and suffered from chronic diarrhea, sprue-like enteropathy or other severe intestinal injuries, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit against the makers of the hypertension drug. Such a lawsuit would pursue financial compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.