Benicar Lawsuits – Information, Risks and Assistance
About Benicar
Benicar is a prescription drug used to treat blood pressure issues. It works by blocking the receptors of Angiotensin II which is a hormone that results in the constriction of blood vessels and subsequent blood pressure elevation.
Drugs under the class of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) generate revenues exceeding $ 7 billion for their manufacturers. Among several ARBs, only Benicar has been linked to the development of sprue-like enteropathy, an intestinal disorder that is often mistaken for celiac disease. Prior to 2013, the manufacturer failed to warn doctors and patients about the risk of developing sprue-like enteropathy.
If you took Benicar and subsequently developed sprue-like enteropathy, please contact one of the Benicar injury lawyers for a free claim evaluation.
Risks and Side Effects
Sprue-like enteropathy (SLE) prevents its patients from effectively absorbing nutrients from the food they consume. As a result, if the disease goes untreated, the patient deteriorates in the same manner as a person starving to death, despite the fact that they are eating. Other effects include intestinal atrophy, cancer, dehydration and related conditions.
Symptoms of SLE include nausea, overall malnutrition and substantial weight loss. Patients suffering from SLE will not respond to a gluten-free diet, which is the treatment for Celiac disease, and do not test positive for the tissue enzyme transglutaminase used to confirm Celiac disease.
However, on discontinuation of Benicar, some patients begin to notice relief from their symptoms and significant weight gains.
Legal Action Against Benicar
Lawsuits involving at least 50 Benicar victims have been centralized in US Federal Court in New Jersey by the US Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation. Additional lawsuits continue to be filed in both state and federal courts.
The FDA issued label changes to include information about the risks of developing SLE and other intestinal problems for drugs marketed under the names of Benicar, Azor, Benicar HCT, Tribenzor and their generic options. They have indicated alternative treatment lines for users of Benicar who begin to notice the above symptoms.
If you think you have been injured by using Benicar, you may have a claim against the manufacturer. Please browse our directory of attorneys for a Benicar injury lawyer to evaluate your claim and pursue justice on your behalf.