In the past year, Benicar has been the focus of numerous lawsuits. Each lawsuit alleged that the dangerous drug caused victims to develop sprue-like enteropathy and other severe GI complications. Now, however, a different lawsuit is being filed against the manufacturers of Benicar-a wrongful death lawsuit. This is the first lawsuit that alleges the dangerous drug Benicar directly caused or contributed to a patient’s death.
The widow of William Kuznicki filed the wrongful death lawsuit on October 1, 2014 in Atlantic County, New Jersey. The suit alleges that her husband began taking Benicar in 2012, and then developed sprue-like enteropathy, which caused him to be hospitalized for severe and uncontrollable diarrhea. He lost weight and became malnourished and debilitated as a result of the hospitalization. Sadly, William died in February 2013 after battling this serious GI condition.
This is the first wrongful death lawsuit filed against Benicar manufacturers, but is likely won’t be the last. Benicar has been shown to cause dangerous and serious GI complications, such as sprue-like enteropathy. This condition can cause patients to experience severe dehydration, diarrhea, and malnutrition. The result can be life threatening—especially if patients are already immune compromised or elderly.
Benicar is Dangerous
Benicar is also known as olmesartan and is prescribed for patients with high blood pressure. The manufacturer, Daiichi Sankyo US Inc, has been manufacturing the drug since it was first approved for use in 2002.
The FDA began investigating Benicar after a 2012 study by the Mayo Clinic pointed to a connection between Benicar use and sprue-like enteropathy. This prompted the FDA to force Daiichi Sankyo to update Benicar’s warning labels to include a severe GI complication warning. The FDA also warned the general public of Benicar’s dangers.
Since the FDA warning, injured patients have been filing lawsuits across the country claiming that Benicar use has caused serious GI disorders and hospitalization. Sadly, many victims may still not even realize that their medication Benicar is to blame. Many people who take Benicar are often diagnosed with other similar conditions, such as Celiac disease or gluten intolerance. As a result, the number of lawsuits is expected to climb even higher in upcoming years-as more patients become aware of Benicar’s dangers.
Could Benicar be to Blame?
If you have experienced severe gastrointestinal disorders or hospitalization and are
currently taking Benicar, it is important to speak to your doctor.
• Have you experienced severe diarrhea?
• Have you experienced sudden weight loss?
• Have you been diagnosed with dehydration or malnutrition?
• Have you been hospitalized with a GI disorder?
• Have you been diagnosed with Celiac disease or gluten intolerance?
• Have you undergone intestinal surgery?
• Have you experienced rectal bleeding or GI bleeding?First Benicar Wrongful Death Case
If you answered yes to any of these questions, it is important to speak to your doctor immediately. Benicar use could be to blame for your medical complications.