Olmesartan Linked to Celiac Disease Side Effects

A report from the Mayo Clinic shows a link between the high blood pressure drug Benicar (olmesartan) and gastrointestinal side effects similar to Celiac disease.

Between 2008 and 2011, 22 patients—14 of whom had to be hospitalized--took Benicar and suffered side effects such as vomiting, chronic diarrhea, intestinal inflammation, and weight loss, according to ABC News. When the patients stopped taking the drug, their symptoms ceased.

Olmesartan is known as an angiotensin II receptor blocker, or ARB, which is a widely used class of drugs to treat high blood pressure.

Some doctors doubt that the findings of this report apply to most patients who take the drugs and many say that the side effects from the drugs are very uncommon.

"The report from the Mayo Clinic would suggest a drug allergy of sorts and findings that would not relate to the mechanism of action of this drug," said Dr. Domenic Sica, a professor of medicine and pharmacology at Virginia Commonwealth University Health System.”

Patients should consult with a physician before discontinuing any prescribed drug.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by a dangerous drug, contact Sokolove Law for a free legal consultation and to find out if a dangerous drug lawyer may be able to help you. For legal help, call (800) 581-6358.

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