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:
- 2009-Nov-20 10:01 PM
- Last Data Update:
- 2009-Nov-20 6:53 PM
Other Names
- Benicar
- Olmesartan
- Olmesartan Medoxomil
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*
- 1,230,000
- 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 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.org is currently tracking more than 7,200 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 | 94% | 
|
| Other | 5% |
|
How well does Benicar work?
iGuard.org regularly polls our more than 7,200 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)
- 85%
- of patients are confident that the good things about Benicar outweigh the bad things.
- 15%
- of patients wish they were told more before they started taking Benicar.
Common Side Effects of Benicar
iGuard.org regularly polls our more than 7,200 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.
22% of patients experience side-effects on Benicar
1% of patients experience signifcant side-effects on Benicar
Most Common Side Effects...
-
Fatigue
-
Cough
-
Low Blood Pressure
-
Dizziness
-
= 10%
Less than 1%: Abdominal Pain, Bladder/Urinary Problems, Drowsiness, Sexual Problems, Sweating
Global Patient Feedback for Benicar (Olmesartan) ( Post a comment )
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
Posted: 2009-08-31 21:52:09
iGuard.org 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
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
Posted: 2009-08-05 16:27:18
iGuard.org 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
Posted: 2009-08-18 19:02:12
Question/Comment:
I'm a 53 year old female and I have been on Benicar for over 5 years. My blood pressure has been perfect. I haven't had any problems since I got past the problem I had on the first 3 days. My kidneys shut down on me from day 2 and day 3. Then they just started working again and everything has been fine since. I was just getting ready to go to my doctor and they started working just fine so I watched carefully and things stayed fine so I waited until my next regular Doctor visit to tell him and he said he guessed everything must be fine and gave me the dickens for not calling right away. He did blood work and everything was fine after all. I learned to let my doctor know anything good or bad because I could have had a really big problem. I was lucky! Has anyone else ever had any problems with kidney shut downs with this drug?
54 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-16 19:22:27
Answer/Reply:
I have been taking Benicar for over two years and have not had any trouble. 72 year old female
73 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-25 14:00:51
Answer/Reply:
I am 70 yrs.old felmale. I take Benicar with water pill in it. I have problems with my legs and handcramping sometime.I take potassium and sometime when I take my meds I have to lay down and sleep for 15 minutes or more. Do anyone have these problems?
71 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-27 20:55:51
Answer/Reply:
I am an 89 year old female. I have taken other medication for high blood pressure that has not agreed with me. But since taking Benicar (with a water pill included) it is doing the trick for me. However, since reading one of the comment made by another person taking Benicar and mentioned having leg pains, I get leg pains, also, and wonder if taking the Benicar is the answer to that?
90 year old Female
Posted: 2009-06-03 01:45:32
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Benicar HCT is a blood pressure medication that is a combination of Benicar and hydrochlorothiazide. 5% of iGuard members report muscle tingling with Benicar HCT. Muscle cramps are a reported side effect of hydrochlorothiazide. Please make an appointment with your physician if the leg pains are bothering you or getting worse to discuss your options.
Posted: 2009-06-25 00:10:14
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
About 5% of iGuard members report fatigue while taking Benicar and no iGuard members have reported cramping in hands or legs. However, according to product labeling for Benicar HCT, 1% of patients reports muscle aches or pain. Since there are many possible causes for your symptoms, please make an appointment to discuss them with your doctor, especially if your symptoms continue to bother you or become worse.
Posted: 2009-06-03 09:57:52
Answer/Reply:
I am a 51-yo female and have been on Benicar HT for about 3 years now. Coincidentally, just last month, I noticed that my output was not matching my input, but I wasn't bloated. It was very strange, but certainly obvious enough to get my attention. I never contacted the doctor. Then I drastically reduced my sugar intake, and my kidneys are functioning perfectly now. I never even considered that it might be the medicine, but maybe? My initial thought was that I needed to reduce my caffeine intake, but I think things are okay now. I am due for a BP checkup to get my prescription renewed. I will be sure to say something. Thank you and I will post more if anything develops!
51 year old Female
Posted: 2009-06-03 11:16:43
Question/Comment:
I am a 39 year old woman, diagnosed with high pressure when I was in my early 20s. I have been on at least 5 different meds before Benicar, none ever helped. Benicar controls my BP, keeping it at normal levels most of the time.
40 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-11 01:55:36
Answer/Reply:
Are you over weight? Or does it run in your family? Try diet and exercise like strength training, swimming, walking.
51 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-16 00:41:09
Answer/Reply:
I, too have found that Benicar 40 mg. has kept my blood pressure numbers under control most of the time. Since I have some other health issues, and a fair amount of stress, it does get a little high occasionally, but nothing too serious - and not off the charts by any means. The nice thing is that our insurance covers the cost 100%.
73 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-20 13:35:09
Answer/Reply:
I too am on Benicar. I am 64 years old and have been on this medication for 3 years. My blood pressure has remained stable the entire time. My insurance company keeps wanting me to switch to the generic and my answer is "if it ain't broke, don't try to fix it".
65 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-20 13:40:37
Answer/Reply:
I didn't know there was a generic to Benicar available yet.
65 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-27 19:40:29
Answer/Reply:
Olmesartan, the generic version of Benicar, is available through Canadian pharmacies. Mine is manufactured in India.
72yo male
73 year old Male
Posted: 2009-04-29 14:21:36
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
The generic form of Benicar (olmesartan medoxomil) is not available in the U.S.
Posted: 2009-05-13 00:39:02
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
A generic form of Benicar (olmesartan medoxomil) is currently not available by prescription in the U.S. A generic most likely will not be available until after 2016, when the patent expires.
Posted: 2009-05-13 00:41:05
Answer/Reply:
I am very much your senior young lady and I was put on this same medication not quite 10 years ago, and other than an increase in dosage with an added (dierettic )(think I spelled this correctly). I have also been satisfied with its results. However it is a little more costly and the insurance carriers of course try to skirt your usage by dumping more of the cost on the patient! have you experienced this as well?
62 year old Male
Posted: 2009-04-20 16:34:51
Answer/Reply:
I agree about insurance companies dumping the cost on to the patient. This year, my insurance company upped the price to a $65 copay from - almost double what it was last year.
65 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-27 19:53:13
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.
36
Patient Comments about
Benicar