A French study published on February 10, 2016 is the first to link Benicar use with skin problems.
The study reveals how long term use of Benicar (olmesartan) is not only a cause for severe diarrhea and malabsorption but also skin lesions. A 58 year old woman began using Benicar as treatment for arterial hypertension but after several years of use, the woman began to experience up to 6 bouts of diarrhea a day, nausea, and abdominal pain. Within 3 months she had lost over 30 pounds and developed rashes on her forearms and neckline. Excessive testing revealed no indications as to what could be causing the diarrhea and rashes.
Four months after the severe diarrhea started, the woman was hospitalized for dehydration and arterial hypotension. Because of the hypotension, her Benicar usage was stopped on admission. Within days both the skin lesions and diarrhea disappeared. As the woman’s hypertension returned, she was started on Benicar again and the nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea returned. It was then realized that her poor health was Benicar related, and she was switched to Amlodipine. An 18 month follow up showed no recurrence of nausea, diarrhea, or rashes.
Side effects such as these often occur after 6 months of Benicar use, but can take years to show up. The side effects can go on for years before Benicar is suspected as the cause. For some people, the damages are life threatening and can lead to death. Recent studies have shown how with Benicar use. The lesions often look like a rash, but can appear anywhere on the body and tend to itch. Common misdiagnoses include bug bite or bites, shingles, dermatitis, psoriasis, a regular rash, or a drug induced rash but other drugs are usually believed to be the cause. Skin problems are often overlooked due to the severity of the gastrointestinal problems.
Benicar Lawsuit
If you or a loved one took or is taking Benicar and have experienced skin lesions, diarrhea, extreme weight loss, or malabsorption, you may be eligible for compensation. Do not ever stop taking a medication without first consulting your physician. The Hollis Law Firm is here to answer your questions and help you seek justice. Contact us today for a free and confidential Benicar lawsuit evaluation. All claims are reviewed on an individual bases and are completely risk free. For more information and studies on Benicar, please visit our Benicar Lawsuit page.
