FDA Warns That Popular Blood Pressure Drug Can Cause Severe Diarrhea

The FDA is warning that the widely-used antihypertensive agent olmesartan (marketed as Benicar, Benicar HCT, Azor, Tribenzor, and generics) may cause severe diarrhea. According to an FDA safety announcement, olmesartan “can cause intestinal problems known as sprue-like enteropathy. Symptoms of sprue-like enteropathy include severe, chronic diarrhea with substantial weight loss.” The warning is being added to…

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Olmesartan Use Associated With GI Disorder That Mimics Celiac Disease

A gastroenterologist at the Mayo Clinic has uncovered a rare but potentially serious association between the angiotensin II receptor antagonist (ARB) olmesartan and severe gastrointestinal problems that resemble Celiac disease. The report has been published online in Mayo Clinic Proceedings. In the US, olmesartan is sold as Benicar and, in combination with other drugs, as…

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