Micardis

Micardis (generic name telmisartan) is a member of a popular class of blood pressure control medications called Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs). Micardis ARB is prescribed to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). Although the FDA reviewed the blood pressure drug and other ARBs following a recent study that suggested Micardis side effects may increase the risk of Micardis-related cancer and found no link, some critics maintain patients should be warned about the possibility of a link between ARBs such as Micardis and lung cancer.

In 2010, the FDA issued a safety announcement (July 15, 2010) and that it was conducting a review of Micardis and other ARBs (including brand names Atacand, Avapro, Benicar, Cozaar, Diovan, and Teveten). The majority of patients included in the studies reviewed were receiving the blood pressure medication Micardis, which was approved by the FDA in November of 2000. The ARB studies involved investigators who analyzed many other scientific studies. The Lancet Oncology report concluded that Micardis (which was mostly involved) and other angiotensin receptor blockers "are associated with a modestly increased risk of new cancer occurrence." The analysis of previous studies involving approximately 60,000 people found a 1.2 percent increase in newly diagnosed cancers for patients taking ARBs compared to 6 percent in those who did not take the blood pressure control drugs, over a four-year period. The studies indicate that lung, prostate and breast cancers showed the most specific increases.

In 2011, the FDA announced that its review of ARB medications and determined that they were not linked to an increased risk of cancer. The FDA's review was based on 31 trials involving 156,000 patients.

Despite that announcement, some critics are concerned that patients should be warned about a potential risk of lung cancer. One critic—a senior regulator with the FDA—argued that the FDA's process of combining different studies compounded flaws in the original studies and did not count lung carcinomas as cancers when they actually are, skewing the results. His own analysis of the data reportedly showed a 24 percent increased risk of cancer in ARB patients, compared with patients on other drugs on a placebo, according to The Wall Street Journal (5/30/13).

Micardis contains the active ingredient telmisartan, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist. Like other ARBs, it works by blocking the ability of the chemical angiotensin II to constrict or squeeze arteries and veins. As a result, the arteries and veins enlarge and blood pressure falls. And the reduced pressure in the arteries also makes it easier for the heart to pump blood. High blood pressure reduction helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Micardis is also used to treat congestive heart failure and to help protect the kidneys from damage due to diabetes.

Numerous birth defects have been associated with Micardis and other ARBs. Side effects include:

• Fatigue
• dizziness
• diarrhea
• nausea
• sinusitis
• upper respiratory tract infection
• flu-like symptoms

In its Safety Announcement, the FDA believes the benefits of ARBs in patients with high blood pressure and certain other heart-related conditions continue to outweigh the potential risks and advise that you do not stop taking your ARB unless told to do so by your healthcare professional.

Micardis Cancer Legal Help

If you or a loved one has suffered similar damages while taking Micardis, please click the link below and your complaint will be sent to a lawyer who may evaluate your claim at no cost or obligation.
Last updated on Feb-23-15