What is olmesartan medoxomil?
Benicar is a brand-name prescription medication that contains the active ingredient olmesartan medoxomil. As a member of the angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) class of drugs, it is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children aged 6 and older. The generic version of Benicar, therefore, is simply olmesartan medoxomil. When a medication’s patent expires, other manufacturers can produce and market a generic version under its chemical name. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that generic drugs be bioequivalent to their brand-name counterparts, meaning they contain the same active ingredient, strength, dosage form, and are absorbed and distributed in the body in the same way.
How Benicar and its generic work
Both Benicar and generic olmesartan medoxomil work by targeting the body's renin-angiotensin system, which plays a major role in regulating blood pressure. The medication works by blocking the action of a hormone called angiotensin II. Normally, this hormone causes blood vessels to narrow, which increases blood pressure. By blocking the angiotensin II receptors, olmesartan medoxomil causes blood vessels to relax and widen, allowing blood to flow more freely and thus lowering blood pressure. This makes it an effective tool in preventing serious cardiovascular events like strokes and heart attacks.
The benefits of choosing generic medication
One of the primary reasons patients and healthcare providers opt for generic medication is the substantial cost savings. Brand-name medications typically command a higher price due to the research and development costs incurred by the original manufacturer. Once the patent expires, generic manufacturers can produce the drug without these upfront costs, allowing them to sell it at a much lower price.
For example, brand-name Benicar has an average retail price significantly higher than the generic equivalent, olmesartan. Using patient assistance programs, pharmacy coupons, or discount cards can further reduce the cost of the generic, with some services listing it for a fraction of the brand-name price.
Comparing Benicar and Generic Olmesartan Medoxomil
While they have the same active ingredient, there can be some differences in the inactive ingredients (fillers, binders, colorings) and manufacturing processes. However, these differences do not affect the drug's therapeutic effect, and the FDA's strict regulations ensure the generic is just as safe and effective.
| Feature | Benicar (Brand-Name) | Olmesartan Medoxomil (Generic) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Olmesartan medoxomil | Olmesartan medoxomil |
| Effectiveness | Proven effective for lowering blood pressure. | Proven bioequivalent and equally effective as the brand. |
| Cost | Significantly higher retail price. | Considerably lower retail price, especially with coupons. |
| Inactive Ingredients | Determined by the brand manufacturer (Daiichi Sankyo). | May vary slightly between different generic manufacturers. |
| FDA Regulation | Approved by the FDA in 2002. | Approved by the FDA as bioequivalent after patent expiration. |
| Dosage Forms | Available in oral tablets of 5mg, 20mg, and 40mg. | Available in the same dosage forms and strengths. |
Important considerations and side effects
As with any medication, olmesartan medoxomil can cause side effects. The most common side effect reported is dizziness, which often improves as the body adjusts to the medication. Patients may also experience back pain, headaches, or flu-like symptoms.
More serious but less common side effects can include:
- High potassium levels (hyperkalemia), which can lead to muscle weakness or an irregular heartbeat.
- Severe, chronic diarrhea and substantial weight loss (sprue-like enteropathy), which can occur months or even years after starting the medication. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should contact their doctor immediately.
- Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue (angioedema), which requires immediate medical attention.
- Kidney problems, particularly in patients who already have impaired kidney function.
Conclusion
The generic version of Benicar, olmesartan medoxomil, provides an equally effective and significantly more affordable option for individuals needing to manage their high blood pressure. It contains the same active ingredient and meets the same strict FDA standards for safety and effectiveness as the brand-name product. Choosing the generic can lead to substantial cost savings for patients, which is a major factor in improving medication adherence. Patients should always discuss switching to a generic with their healthcare provider to ensure it's the right choice for their specific medical needs, and be aware of potential side effects, regardless of whether they take the brand or generic version. For more information on generic drug regulation, refer to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidelines.
