SAN FRANCISCO
Attorney Lexi J. Hazam of the national plaintiffs’ law firm Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP, announced that three patients prescribed olmesartan, a widely-prescribed blood pressure medication sold under the brand name Benicar, along with Benicar HT, Tribenzor and Azor, recently filed lawsuits against Japanese-based Daiichi Sankyo, Benicar’s manufacturer, and Forest Laboratories, which marketed and distributed Benicar in the United States.
Each of the plaintiffs, patients residing in Colorado, Nevada, and South Carolina, experienced significant intestinal and/or colonic disease manifestations after using the medication. The complaints charge that Daiichi Sankyo and Forest Laboratories were aware that long-term use of Benicar was likely to cause a host of serious and, in some cases, life-threatening diseases, yet failed to adequately warn physicians and patients of these risks.
Plaintiff Kevin Murrell of Blythewood, South Carolina, commented, “I hope the makers of Benicar will take responsibility for jeopardizing patient safety. Benicar caused me to suffer from severe intestinal injuries, severe and rapid weight loss, and prolonged malnutrition.”
“No one would take Benicar to reduce their blood pressure if informed that the drug was linked to a significant number of patients developing severe side effects like those I experienced,” stated plaintiff Mary Holly of Pahrump, Nevada. “I suffered severe gastrointestinal problems, dehydration, and malabsorption while taking Benicar. I was hospitalized and developed dangerous secondary conditions including renal failure. There are other, effective blood pressure medications available without these side effects. I am bringing this lawsuit to stand up for myself and other patients who were seriously harmed by Benicar.”
Patients taking Benicar under the recommended dosage have experienced major complications, including:
- severe, chronic diarrhea with substantial weight loss;
- sprue-like enteropathy;
- villous atrophy; and
- lymphocytic, collagenous and/or microscopic colitis
Sprue-like enteropathy and villous atrophy are both conditions involving destruction of the intestinal lining that are characterized by severe, chronic diarrhea, malabsorption, and substantial weight loss. These conditions often result in repeat hospitalizations and in some cases cause secondary complications such as renal failure. The conditions can develop months to years after starting Benicar use. Patients with Benicar-induced gastrointestinal problems are often misdiagnosed with celiac disease.
“Daiichi Sankyo and Forest Laboratories, as alleged in the complaint, insufficiently tested Benicar before introducing it to the market and did not accompany the prescription drug with adequate instructions and warnings to apprise patients of its full risks and side effects,” stated Hazam, who serves on the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee advancing the Benicar lawsuits pending in federal court.
Contact Lieff Cabraser
If you or a family member have suffered serious complications after being prescribed Benicar, Benicar HT, Tribenzor, or Azor, you may be eligible to file a claim.
Please visit our Benicar case page to contact Lieff Cabraser for a free and prompt evaluation of your case, with no obligation on your part.
About Lieff Cabraser
Recognized as “one of the nation’s premier plaintiffs’ firms” by The American Lawyer, Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP is a sixty-plus attorney law firm with offices in San Francisco, New York, and Nashville. Our firm has successfully represented thousands of patients across America in individual lawsuits due to the injuries they suffered from dangerous prescription drugs with undisclosed side effects. U.S. News and Best Lawyers have named Lieff Cabraser as their 2015 “Law Firm of the Year” for representing plaintiffs in class actions and mass torts.
Trademark and Attorney Advertising Notice
Benicar is a registered trademark of Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. The use of this trademark is solely for product identification and informational purposes. Lieff Cabraser has no affiliation with Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.
This press release may be considered attorney advertising in certain jurisdictions. Any testimonial or endorsement does not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter. Every legal matter is different. The outcome of your claim or case depends upon many factors, including the specific facts of your claim or case. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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CONTACT
Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP
Lexi Hazam, 415-956-1000
