Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) is a combination of olmesartan and hydrochlorothiazide. Although the names are very similar, Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) is not the same thing as Benicar, which is olmesartan on its own (does not have hydrochlorothiazide).
What tier is BENICAR HCT?
What drug tier is olmesartan / HCTZ typically on? Medicare prescription drug plans typically list olmesartan / HCTZ on Tier 1 of their formulary.
What are the long term effects of taking Benicar?
Symptoms of drug-induced sprue-like enteropathy include severe, chronic diarrhea and substantial weight loss within months to years after beginning use of the medication. Benicar can also result in fetal toxicity and is not recommended for women who are pregnant.
How much does Benicar cost without insurance?
About Benicar The lowest GoodRx price for the most common version of generic Benicar is around $8.00, 95% off the average retail price of $171.37.
Why is Benicar no longer available?
Watchdog group Public Citizen petitioned the FDA to get antihypertensive olmesartan medoxomil (Benicar HCT) and generics off the market because of the risk of sprue-like enteropathy, a severe and even life-threatening gastrointestinal side effect.
When is the best time to take Benicar HCT?
How to use Benicar HCT. Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily with or without food. If this medication causes you to urinate more frequently, it is best to take it at least 4 hours before your bedtime to prevent having to get up to urinate.
Is Benicar hard on the kidneys?
But since its FDA approval, many negative side effects have been linked to the use of Benicar, one of the most serious being kidney failure (also referred to as renal failure).
What are the long term side effects of olmesartan?
- Feeling dizzy or tired.
- Headaches, flu-like symptoms, runny or stuffy nose, cough or bronchitis.
- Pain in your back, bones or joints.
- Feeling sick (nausea) or indigestion.
- Stomach ache.
- Diarrhoea.
- Swollen feet, ankles, legs or hands (oedema)
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Why is olmesartan discontinued?
[7-3-2013] The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning that the blood pressure drug olmesartan medoxomil (marketed as Benicar, Benicar HCT, Azor, Tribenzor, and generics) can cause intestinal problems known as sprue-like enteropathy.
Is there a lawsuit against Benicar?
People who took Benicar filed lawsuits claiming they were unaware it could cause serious gastrointestinal problems. In 2017, Benicar manufacturer Daiichi Sankyo and co-promoter Forest Laboratories agreed to a $300 million settlement to compensate nearly 2,000 patients for their injuries.
What is the safest high blood pressure medication?
Safe medications to use include methyldopa and potentially some diuretics and beta-blockers, including labetalol.
Is hair loss a side effect of Benicar?
Common side effects of Benicar include: Hair loss. Arthritis. Nausea and vomiting. Irregular heartbeat.
What is a good substitute for Benicar?
The bottom line As you have seen, Cozaar (losartan) may be used more frequently than Benicar (olmesartan) because it is approved for more conditions. They both work very well for hypertension and are recommended by many health organizations as first-line hypertension treatment.
Is there a generic drug for Benicar HCT?
If you’ve been prescribed Benicar or a handful of other blood pressure medications, we have good news: generic olmesartan has been approved by the FDA. Olmesartan is an ingredient in multiple medications, all of which are used to treat high blood pressure.
What tier drug is Benicar?
What drug tier is olmesartan typically on? Medicare prescription drug plans typically list olmesartan on Tier 1 of their formulary. Generally, the higher the tier, the more you have to pay for the medication.
Is there a difference between Benicar and olmesartan?
Benicar (olmesartan) is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). It lowers blood pressure by blocking a chemical that tightens the blood vessels.
Which is better losartan or Benicar?
Benicar (olmesartan) is a good blood pressure-lowering medicine that protects your kidneys, but with fewer side effects. Lowers blood pressure. Cozaar (Losartan) is a good blood pressure-lowering medicine that protects kidney function like an ACE inhibitor, but with fewer side effects.
What can I take instead of olmesartan?
Telmisartan is equally as effective as olmesartan at lowering blood pressure. On top of lowering blood pressure, telmisartan provides two other benefits: lowering blood sugar levels (by improving insulin sensitivity) and lowering cholesterol levels.
What time of day is blood pressure highest?
Usually, blood pressure starts to rise a few hours before a person wakes up. It continues to rise during the day, peaking in midday. Blood pressure typically drops in the late afternoon and evening. Blood pressure is usually lower at night while sleeping.
Can drinking water lower blood pressure?
It’s encouraged to drink water throughout the day to stay properly hydrated. Along with helping to lower blood pressure, it can assist in lubricating the body, reducing the risk of conditions like kidney stones and urinary tract infections, and it can help improve brain function.
Does Benicar increase urination?
high potassium–slow or unusual heart rate, weakness, loss of movement; or. low potassium–leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling.
Does olmesartan cause eye problems?
This drug can cause certain eye problems. If left untreated, this can lead to lasting eyesight loss. If eye problems happen, signs like change in eyesight or eye pain most often happen within hours to weeks of starting this drug. Call your doctor right away if you have these signs.
Can Benicar cause joint pain?
Some particularly uncomfortable side effects of Benicar use include chronic joint and muscle pain, and chest pains that some mistook for a heart attack.
Does olmesartan make you urinate more?
Olmesartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) and works by relaxing blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily. Hydrochlorothiazide is a “water pill” (diuretic) that causes you to make more urine, which helps your body get rid of extra salt and water.
Is weight gain a side effect of olmesartan?
Symptoms can include: swelling of your feet, ankles, or hands. weight gain.