Benicar, Benicar HCT, Azor, and Tribenzor may cause gallbladder disease in addition to pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and malabsorption.
Benicar (olmesartan) and Benicar HCT are prescribed for treatment of high blood pressure, or hypertension. Benicar allows the blood vessels to relax and widen, which helps decrease blood pressure. Benicar HCT also contains a diuretic, which decreases the water content of your body, as too much water can increase blood pressure. However, for many people, Benicar and Benicar HCT have caused severe diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, nausea, abdominal pain, severe weight loss and malabsorption. If left untreated, these symptoms can create even more health problems, including kidney failure, cardiac arrest and even death. A retroactive study of Benicar users showed a drastic increase in the number of reported gallbladder disorders the longer the Benicar had been on the market. Over two thirds of those who reported gallbladder problems while on Benicar were over the age of 50.
Gallbladder Disease is a catch-all phrase for several types of conditions that affect the gallbladder. The majority of gallbladder diseases are caused by inflammation due to irritation of the gallbladder wall, which is known as cholecystitis. This inflammation is often due to gallstones blocking the ducts leading to the small intestine and causing bile to build up. It may eventually lead to necrosis (tissue destruction) or gangrene. Other types of gallbladder disease include gallbladder polyps and gallbladder cancer.
For most people, their health has improved after stopping Benicar.
The Hollis Law Firm has noticed an alarmingly high rate of gallbladder complications in our clients who have taken Benicar and suffered gastrointestinal (GI) side effects. Many of our clients were unaware that their gallbladder problems could have been associated with their Benicar use until after we brought it to their attention. Most clients were experiencing severe abdominal pain and tests revealed sludging of their gallbladder. Many clients have subsequently had their gallbladders removed; however, removal only made their symptoms worse. It is not until discontinuation of Benicar that our client’s GI side effects began to subside. Luckily, most side effects of Benicar are reversible with discontinuation of the medication. If you are suffering gallbladder problems and are taking Benicar, ask your doctor to try another blood pressure medication before you have your gallbladder removed permanently.
Many physicians are still unaware of the possible side effects of Benicar and Benicar HCT, because the side effects usually don’t present until a person has taken Benicar for months or even years. If you use Benicar for your high blood pressure and have been suffering any of these side effects, talk with your doctor immediately. Do not stop taking Benicar or Benicar HCT without talking to your doctor first, as it will be important for your doctor to find a suitable alternative. It is also important to note that the blood pressure medications Azor and Tribenzor also contain olmesartan, the active ingredient in Benicar. GI side effects caused by Benicar will not subside if you switch to either Azor or Tribenzor.
We can help.
Contact the Hollis Law Firm for a free Azor, Tribenzor or Benicar lawsuit consultation. You may have a claim eligible for compensation. We are happy to review your case free of charge and all information shared with our firm is confidential and risk free. Call today at (800) 701-3672.
