FDA Warns of Intestinal Problems Caused by Blood Pressure Drug

The Food and Drug Administration July 3 said it is warning that the blood pressure drug olmesartan medoxomil can cause intestinal problems known as sprue-like enteropathy.

Olmesartan medoxomil is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) approved for the treatment of high blood pressure, alone or with other antihypertensive agents, and is one of eight marketed ARB drugs, the agency said.

Daiichi Sankyo Inc. manufactures the brand versions of olmesartan medoxomil, which include Benicar, Benicar HCT, Azor, and Tribenzor.

Symptoms of sprue-like enteropathy include severe, chronic diarrhea with substantial weight loss, the agency said.

Label Changes.

FDA said it has approved ...