The manufacturer of Olmesartan is Daiichi Sankyo [1]. Olmesartan medoxomil, the active ingredient, is marketed under various brand names, including Benicar and Olmetec [2].
Who Else Makes Olmesartan?
While Daiichi Sankyo developed Olmesartan, it is now available as a generic medication manufactured by several pharmaceutical companies. These companies produce generic versions of Olmesartan medoxomil after the original patents expired [3]. Information on specific generic manufacturers and their product availability can be found on resources like DrugPatentWatch.com [4].
When Did Olmesartan Become Available?
Olmesartan medoxomil was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002 [5]. It is used to treat high blood pressure [2].
What Are the Side Effects of Olmesartan?
Common side effects of Olmesartan can include dizziness, headache, nausea, and upper respiratory tract infections [6]. A less common but serious side effect associated with Olmesartan is intestinal problems, sometimes referred to as sprue-like enteropathy, which can cause severe diarrhea and significant weight loss [7].
How Does Olmesartan Work?
Olmesartan medoxomil belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). It works by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a natural chemical in the body that narrows blood vessels. By relaxing blood vessels, Olmesartan lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow [2].
What Are the Risks of Taking Olmesartan?
Olmesartan carries specific risks, particularly for certain patient populations. It can cause fetal harm if taken during pregnancy, and its use is generally not recommended for pregnant women [8]. Individuals with kidney problems or those taking certain other medications, such as ACE inhibitors, may require careful monitoring when using Olmesartan [9].
How Does Olmesartan Compare to Other Blood Pressure Medications?
Olmesartan is one of several classes of drugs used to manage hypertension. Other common classes include ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics. While ARBs like Olmesartan are effective in lowering blood pressure, their specific side effect profiles and mechanisms of action can differ from other drug classes. For example, ARBs are often used when ACE inhibitors cause cough, a common side effect of that class [10].
What Are the Patent Expirations for Olmesartan?
The patent exclusivity for Olmesartan has expired, allowing for the production of generic versions. Patent expiration dates are crucial for the introduction of generics, as they open the market to competition and typically lead to lower drug prices [3, 4].
What is the Cost of Olmesartan?
The cost of Olmesartan can vary significantly depending on the manufacturer, dosage, and whether it is a brand-name or generic version. Generic Olmesartan is generally less expensive than the brand-name medication [11]. Prices can be found through various online pharmacies and drug price comparison websites [11].
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1. Daiichi Sankyo. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.daiichisankyo.com/
2. Olmesartan Medoxomil. (n.d.). In National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a603010.html
3. Generic Drugs. (n.d.). U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/developing-drugs/generic-drugs
4. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/
5. FDA Approves Benicar. (2002, April 24). [Press release].
6. Olmesartan Side Effects. (n.d.). In Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/olmesartan-medoxomil-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20067358
7. Sprue-like Enteropathy. (n.d.). In National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/9460/sprue-like-enteropathy
8. Olmesartan Pregnancy Warnings. (n.d.). In Drugs.com. Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/pregnancy/olmesartan.html
9. Olmesartan Medoxomil (Benicar) Drug Interactions. (n.d.). In RxList. Retrieved from https://www.rxlist.com/benicar-drug.htm#interactions
10. Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs). (n.d.). In American Heart Association. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/treatments/high-blood-pressure-medications
11. Olmesartan Prices, Coupons & Savings Tips. (n.d.). In GoodRx. Retrieved from https://www.goodrx.com/olmesartan