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Benicar Facts

In order to provide your patients with valuable information about Benicar, please review these important facts:

  • Benicar is a member of the angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) class.
  • The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted marketing approval for Benicar for the treatment of hypertension in April 2002.
  • Benicar/Benicar HCT was ranked #3 in the ARB class for number of prescriptions (TRx).1,2
  • Benicar is indicated for first-line therapy for the treatment of hypertension. It may be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents.
  • Benicar blocks the vasoconstrictor effects of angiotensin II by selectively blocking the binding of angiotensin II to the AT1 receptor in vascular smooth muscle. Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor that increases blood pressure in the body.
  • Studies in mild-to-moderate patients show that Benicar 20 mg — the usual recommended starting dose — resulted in significant mean reductions vs. baseline at trough in systolic and diastolic blood pressure of up to 15/12 mm Hg (mean placebo reductions of 6/6 mm Hg).

Clinical Studies

Learn more about
Benicar/Benicar HCT
clinical studies.

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References

1 Data representing May 2002-July 2008 from IMS Health. National Prescription Audit, July 2008.

2 Based on NRx volume for the first 75 months following the launch of the respective ARB from IMS Health. National Prescription Audit, July 2008.

Indication

BENICAR and BENICAR HCT are indicated for the treatment of hypertension. They may be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents. BENICAR HCT is not indicated for initial therapy.

Important Safety Information

USE IN PREGNANCY

When used in pregnancy during the second and third trimesters, drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus. When pregnancy is detected, BENICAR or BENICAR HCT should be discontinued as soon as possible. See WARNINGS, Fetal/Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality in the prescribing information.

Hypotension in Volume- or Salt-Depleted Patients
In patients with an activated renin-angiotensin system, such as volume- and/or salt-depleted patients (eg, those being treated with high doses of diuretics), symptomatic hypotension may occur after initiation of treatment with BENICAR. Treatment should start under close medical supervision. If hypotension does occur, the patient should be placed in the supine position and, if necessary, given an intravenous infusion of normal saline. A transient hypotensive response is not a contraindication to further treatment, which usually can be continued without difficulty once the blood pressure has stabilized.

Impaired Renal Function
In studies of ACE inhibitors in patients with unilateral or bilateral renal artery stenosis, increases in serum creatinine or blood urea nitrogen (BUN) have been reported. There has been no long-term use of olmesartan medoxomil in patients with unilateral or bilateral renal artery stenosis, but similar results may be expected.

The prescribing information for BENICAR HCT also includes the following warnings regarding its hydrochlorothiazide component:

  • BENICAR HCT is not recommended in patients with severe renal impairment, and is contraindicated in patients with anuria or hypersensitivity to other sulfonamide-derived drugs

Fetal/Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality
Thiazides cross the placental barrier and appear in cord blood. There is a risk of fetal or neonatal jaundice, thrombocytopenia, and possibly other adverse reactions that have occurred in adults.

Hepatic Impairment
Thiazides should be used with caution in patients with impaired hepatic function or progressive liver disease, since minor alterations of fluid and electrolyte balance may precipitate hepatic coma.

Hypersensitivity Reaction
Hypersensitivity reactions to hydrochlorothiazide may occur in patients with or without a history of allergy or bronchial asthma, but are more likely in patients with such a history.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Thiazide diuretics have been reported to cause exacerbation or activation of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Lithium Interaction
Lithium generally should not be given with thiazides.

Adverse Events

  • The withdrawal rates due to adverse events (AEs) were similar with BENICAR and BENICAR HCT to placebo: BENICAR (2.4% vs. 2.7%); BENICAR HCT (2.0% vs. 2.0%)
  • The incidence of AEs with BENICAR and BENICAR HCT was similar to placebo
    • The only AE that occurred in >1% of patients treated with BENICAR and more frequently than placebo was dizziness (3% vs. 1%)
    • AEs reported in >2% of patients taking BENICAR HCT and more frequently than placebo included nausea (3% vs. 0%), hyperuricemia (4% vs. 2%), dizziness (9% vs. 2%), and upper respiratory tract infection (7% vs. 0%)

Dosing and Administration

  • No initial dosage adjustments are recommended with BENICAR in elderly or in moderate to marked renal impairment*/hepatic dysfunction
    • In patients with possible depletion of intravascular volume (eg, patients on diuretics, particularly with impaired renal function), BENICAR should be initiated under close medical supervision and consideration given to use of a lower starting dose
  • For BENICAR HCT, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosage range

*Creatinine clearance <40 mL/min

Please see full prescribing information for BENICAR and BENICAR HCT.

The information on this page is intended to be used by U.S. healthcare professionals only. Patients and consumers are directed to BENICAR and BENICAR HCT Product Information.

The photos depict models, not actual patients or healthcare professionals.

Benicar and Benicar HCT are promoted by Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.
© 2008 Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.

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