A Kentucky plaintiff recently filed a Benicar lawsuit, alleging that Benicar and chronic diarrhea are linked, but that Daiichi Sankyo failed to adequately warn about the risk.

The plaintiff, Clarence P., began taking Benicar at the direction of his doctor on Jan. 6, 2005, in order to treat hypertension.

However, after beginning to take Benicar, Clarence suffered from a serious of personal injuries, especially gastrointestinal problems. These problems included chronic diarrhea, sequelae, abdominal pain, and bloating.

These complications led to otherwise unnecessary medical treatment, as well as limited his activities and caused loss of enjoyment of life.

The lawsuit linking Benicar and chronic diarrhea was filed on multiple counts, including design defect, failure to warn, gross negligence, fraudulent concealment, breach of express and implied warranties, and violation of Kentucky laws.

Benicar Basics

Benicar (olmesartan medoxomil) is a popular hypertension drug, and is manufactured and distributed by Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. Benicar was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002 for the treatment of hypertension.

Benicar is one of a number of olmesartan drugs currently available on the market. Other popular olmesartan products used across the country include Benicar HCT, Azor, and Tribenzor.

These olmesartan drugs have become increasingly popular since their approval. Indeed, nearly two million people in the United States were filing olmesartan prescriptions each year by 2012, only 10 years since their initial approval.

Benicar and Chronic Diarrhea

Despite the popularity of olmesartan drugs like Benicar, the drug has actually been linked to a variety of gastrointestinal complications.

The link between Benicar and chronic diarrhea, for instance, has been noted in studies, complaints, and lawsuits in recent years. For some, these complications are mild and go away on their own.

For others, however, these side effects can be quite severe, affecting their lives significantly and sometimes requiring medical treatment, as in the case of Clarence P.

In response to the growing link between Benicar and chronic diarrhea, as well as other side effects, the FDA has issued a drug warning. The warning came on July 3, 2013, noting that Benicar and chronic diarrhea are linked, among other serious bowel problems.

The FDA also approved a warning label that would have an updated list of side effects, including these gastrointestinal issues.

Benicar Lawsuits

Benicar lawsuits like this claim that Daiichi Sankyo either knew or should have known that Benicar causes bowel problems in some users, some of which may be severe. However, the pharmaceutical company failed to adequately warn both the public and the medical community about the link between Benicar and chronic diarrhea, lawsuits claim.

Plaintiffs allege that, had Daiichi Sankyo given adequate warning that Benicar causes bowel problems, they would have chosen a safer alternative to Benicar.

Though filing a Benicar lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering experienced by some Benicar users because of these side effects, it can help to compensate for financial expenses that may have been incurred by these problems.

If you or someone you love has taken Benicar or a similar olmesartan drug and since suffered from bowel problems, you may be able to file a Benicar lawsuit.

The Benicar Lawsuit is Case No. 1:16-cv-4354, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, Camden Vicinage.