Benicar, a widely prescribed medication for high blood pressure, has been linked to a surprising and severe side effect: gallbladder disease. While it’s well-known for its effectiveness in managing hypertension, recent reports suggest that Benicar may also trigger gallbladder complications in some patients.
Understanding the connection between this medication and gallbladder disease is crucial for those who rely on it for blood pressure control. We will explore the potential risks associated with Benicar, the symptoms of gallbladder disease, and the steps you can take to protect your health. Please reach out to Hollis Law Firm if you would like to retain support managing legal matters connected to your medical history of Benicar-causing gallbladder disease.
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Benicar, Benicar HCT, Azor, and Tribenzor May Cause Gallbladder Disease
In addition to pain, chronic diarrhea, vomiting, and malabsorption, Benicar and similar medications may cause gallbladder disease. Similar medications and other drugs, such as Benicar HCT, Azor, and Tribenzor, may also increase the risk of this medical problem.
Drugs with the same active ingredient as Benicar may also cause symptoms similar to those experienced by individuals with celiac disease. In other words, the active ingredient may be more dangerous than public perception would have patients believe.
Benicar (olmesartan), Benicar HCT, and other medications are prescribed for treatment of high blood pressure, or hypertension. Benicar allows the blood vessels to relax and widen, which helps decrease and treat high blood pressure.
Risks Associated With Benicar and Benicar HCT Use
Some forms of the drug also contain diuretics, which can decrease the water content of your body, as too much water can worsen symptoms for those experiencing high blood pressure.
However, for many people, Benicar has 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 patients suffering 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.
Benicar Increases Likelihood of Gallbladder Disease in General
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.
Health Improves for Most Patients After Stopping Benicar Use
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.
Gallbladder Removal Is Not Enough
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.
Is My Doctor Aware of the Risks Associated With Benicar?
Many physicians are still unaware of the possible side effects of Benicar, 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.
Other Essential Medical Notes to Bring to Your Doctor
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 taking olmesartan or Benicar will not subside if you switch to either Azor or Tribenzor.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved the drug under its brand name in 2002. However, communication from the administration has been sparse, with the FDA drug safety communication apparently mainly remaining undecided.
If you need assistance finding a doctor who is willing to support you through this legal battle, we can help. We know that some practitioners are not always comfortable assisting patients in the midst of legal matters. Still, we can aid in communication or refer you to a doctor who can help once you’ve retained our support.
Fight for Your Health: Contact Hollis Law firm for a Free Consultation About Your Benicar Use
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. Taking part in Benicar lawsuits may be beneficial in earning your compensation for your associated suffering.
With extensive experience handling cases related to harmful prescription drugs, we understand the complex intersection of law and medical science. Our firm is dedicated to helping clients navigate these challenging situations and seeking justice for the harm they’ve endured. Contact us at (800) 701-3672 or through our contact form to discuss how we can assist you in your case.
