Public Citizen Urges FDA to Pull Olmesartan-Containing Drugs

Public Citizen called on the FDA to ban the sale of olmesartan, arguing the hypertension drug puts patients’ health at risk.

The drug, an angiotensin II receptor blocker, is marketed under several brand names, including Benicar, Tribenzor, Benicar HCT and Azor, as well as several generics. The drug can cause the severe gastrointestinal disorder sprue-like enteropathy, according to the advocacy group.

Research has connected the drug to more than 150 cases of the disorder worldwide, with most experiencing severe complications such as kidney injury and malnutrition, Public Citizen said.