Olmesartan Linked to Intestinal Problems

Olmesartan has been linked to serious gastrointestinal side effects, including an increased risk of sprue-like enteropathy. Olmesartan (sold as Benicar, Benicar HCT, Azor, Tribenzor, and other generics) is used to treat high blood pressure, but the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning about the risk of sprue-like enteropathy, a potentially serious condition that could require hospitalization. Attorneys are investigating possible olmesartan lawsuits alleging the makers of olmesartan products did not adequately warn about the risks.

Olmesartan (Benicar) is in a group of drugs known as angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), used to treat high blood pressure. So far, olmesartan drugs are the only to be linked to sprue-like enteropathy.

Products containing olmesartan include Benicar, Benicar HCT, Azor, Tribenzor and generic medications.

Olmesartan (Benicar) products have been linked to an increased risk of sprue-like enteropathy. Sprue-like enteropathy is a potentially serious condition marked by chronic diarrhea, weight loss and colitis. Symptoms can take months or years to develop, but can require hospitalization. Some patients who developed sprue-like enteropathy have had symptoms improve after discontinuing use of olmesartan products.

A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings (August 2012) suggested a link between olmesartan (Benicar) and sprue-like enteropathy. Researchers found that of 22 patients seen at a hospital for unexplained chronic diarrhea and enteropathy while taking olmesartan, symptoms of 18 patients improved after they stopped taking the medication.

On July 3, 2013, the FDA warned that use of olmesartan could cause sprue-like enteropathy. The FDA noted that it was evaluating the safety of the products, but said the announcement was made after data from the Adverse Event Reporting System showed "clear evidence of an association between olmesartan and sprue-like enteropathy." At the time, the FDA requested an update to the labels of olmesartan products to warn about the increased risk.

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Last updated on Mar-17-15