Get Informed: Benicar
Active Ingredient(s)
Olmesartan
What does it do?
This product is primarily used to treat hypertension. It works by blocking the action of Angiotensin II, a chemical which plays an important role in controlling blood pressure.
- Last Text Update:
- 2010-Mar-14 3:09 AM
- Last Data Update:
- 2010-Mar-13 9:01 PM
Other Names
- Benicar
- Olmesartan
- Olmesartan Medoxomil
- Olmetec
How Safe Is It?
- Your Risk Rating
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- Average Risk Rating
-
- Pregnancy Category:
- C
Black Box Warning
This product has a black box warning relating to its risks when used in pregnancy.
Facts & Figures
- Date Approved
- 25 Apr 2002
- Est US Patients*
- 1,199,000
- Generic Available
- No
- OTC Available
- No
User Age Distribution*
< 21
21-39
40-59
60+
Age (Years)
* Estimated number of US people currently taking Benicar or its active ingredient based on population adjusted patient numbers registered with iGuard.org.
Recent alerts for Benicar
There have been no iGuard.org alerts regarding Benicar during the past year.
Benicar Safety Report
Learn more about iGuard's risk ratings
- Please login or register (it's free) so iGuard can check how Benicar interacts with other drugs and diseases in your profile.
What is Benicar used for?
iGuard is currently tracking more than 7,900 patients that use Benicar (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)). Use the table below to learn why iGuard users take this product; click on any underlined condition to get information on other medications used for treatment.
| Disease / Condition | % | Average Severity |
|---|---|---|
| High Blood Pressure | 99% | 
|
| Kidney Protection | 4% |
|
How well does Benicar work?
iGuard regularly polls our more than 7,900 users taking Benicar (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medications (TSQM) . This feedback is continuously updated in tables below for the benefit of the iGuard community. To request scores for specific patient subgroups, please contact research@iguard.org.
Average Satisfaction Score
(out of 10)
Average Effectiveness Score
(out of 10)
- 81%
- of patients are confident that the good things about Benicar outweigh the bad things.
- 9%
- of patients wish they were told more before they started taking Benicar.
Common Side Effects of Benicar
iGuard regularly polls our more than 7,900 users taking Benicar (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) to monitor the development and frequency of side-effects. This feedback is continuously updated in tables and graphs below for the benefit of the iGuard community.
16% of patients experience side-effects on Benicar
1% of patients experience signifcant side-effects on Benicar
Most Common Side Effects...
-
Weakness
-
Dizziness
-
= 10%
Less than 1%: Eye Irritation, Fatigue, Hair Loss, Kidney Problems, Loss of Libido, Muscle Pain/Cramps, Palpitations, Postural Hypotension
Global Patient Feedback for Benicar (Olmesartan) ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
I am 43 yr old male taking 20 mg for blood pressure I found that it will make you lazy so I take it before I sleep . It will make you a bit hungry &/or lighthead so be careful. I tried to lower blood pressure by exercise as I run a min. or 6 miles a day but to no avail I still have to take med. My outlook is it should be taken before sleep as I do now because effect is strongest in the fist 4 to 6 hrs . This should give to time to feel alert & energized without side effects.
43 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-01-28 11:23:04
Question/Comment:
Would an adverse reaction of Benicar and levothyroxine cause thinning of hair?
79 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-12-08 16:24:05
iGuard Answer/Reply:
It is unlikely that the use of Benicar and levothyroxine together is causing this symptom. The thinning of hair could be because you need a dose adjustment of the levothyroxine. Please discuss your concern about thinning hair with your doctor and ask him or her to evaluate your thyroid hormone levels to make sure they are at the normal level.
Posted: 2009-12-09 12:30:53
Question/Comment:
I am very glad iguard exists! Nobody except you told me about the problems of mixing Benicar and Ambien - I've only been on Benicar 1 wk so I'm still not sure what's "normal" and must learn if what I feel is adverse or not. I must say I'm happy to be rid of the swelling I had on Norvasc. Hoping kidney function stays ok so I can have one of my hips replaced next month with no serious repercussions. Is anything known about effect on muscles?
73 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-08-31 21:52:09
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Benicar can cause rhabdomyolysis, which is problem with the muscle break down, but the chance of it is extremely rare. If you are having problems with unexplained muscle pain or weakness, you should follow up with your doctor. There are many things that can cause muscle problems and your doctor will be able to best evaluate the cause of these symptoms.
Posted: 2009-09-13 23:39:53
Question/Comment:
My husband had a high blood pressure and we don't have any insurance at all. His doctor prescribed him a Benicar 20mg and since we can't afford to buy it and the doctor had a lot of samples, for over a year now his doctor give him a Benicar 20mg or 40mg for free and he give my husband sometimes 4 months to 6 months supplies. His doctor is very very nice doctor. Were worried though because soon we will moved to TX and we will have another doctor and we can't get samples anymore.
33 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-08-27 12:38:14
Question/Comment:
why is it benicar made my nose run and made me very tired and I was on 40mg.
73 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-08-05 16:27:18
iGuard Answer/Reply:
In the clinical trials done by the manufacturer, rhinitis and sinusitis (inflammation of the nose and sinus) were reported in at least 1% of the patients taking the drug.
Most drugs used to treat high blood pressure have some fatigue associated with them. Approximately 5% of iGuard patients reported tiredness as a side effect. When your overall blood pressure is lowered your body could feel tired as a result. As you continue to take Benicar, you may see your tired feeling improve. However, if the side effects persist or worsen you should discuss them with your doctor.
Posted: 2009-08-06 20:26:43
Answer/Reply:
I take benicar 40mg. and have never had any side effects at all. I have been taking it for 5 years now. My blood pressure was borderline high, on the benicar its been good. I am wondering if it is dropping your blood pressure too much maybe. The runny nose I dont know. I am very happy with benicar.
55 year old female.
55 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-08-18 19:02:12
You may post comments for the benefit of other patients or post questions other patients might be able to answer. Comments are submitted for possible publication on the condition that they may be edited. Only your age and gender will be published with your comment, although your other user details will be securely recorded for verification purposes.
Comments may be either questions or answers to previously posted questions. Any iGuard.org user may post questions and reply.
72
Patient Comments about
Benicar