Brand Names of ACE Inhibitors

What You Need to Know Now

ACE Inhibitors are like any mass-marketed drug in that there are brand name options as well as generic forms.  Brand name ACE Inhibitors, as per usual in the pharmaceutical market space, were the first to hit the market, and that’s generally what a patient pays for - the marketing of a brand.  The FDA has approved the sale of several brand name ACE Inhibitors, and a few examples are listed below:

• Benazepril
• Captopril
• Ramipril
• Capoten
• Vasotec
• Aceon
• Accupril
• Univasc
• Mavik
• Monapril

 

These brand name ACE Inhibitors are manufactured by different pharmaceutical companies, and although there may be extremely slight differences in the chemicals that comprise the different pills, the active ingredients are essentially the same. 

General Uses of ACE Inhibitors

ACE Inhibitors are a type of drug designed to help patients with high blood pressure, as the active ingredients in these medications help to prevent the narrowing of blood vessels. Left unchecked, narrow blood vessels can increase blood pressure because there is less space for blood to flow. This lack of space creates a excessive pressure on the blood vessels, increasing stress throughout the entire circulatory system. 

Potential Problems with ACE Inhibitors

Although these drugs showed early promise, several problems have been uncovered as a result of a diverse number of studies.  These problems include side effects in patients such as a persistent cough, dizziness, the loss of the sense of taste and headaches. 

The most serious problems with ACE Inhibitors deal with pregnant women.  Studies have shown that pregnant women who take ACE Inhibitors are exposing their unborn children to an enormous risk of debilitating birth defects and even death in the womb.  The side effects present in the children who do survive include malformation of the heart and the brain, and these effects are irreversible. 

If you have suffered as a result of any type of ACE Inhibitor, please contact an attorney immediately.

Lisinopril (Prinivil)

Lisinopril (Prinivil) - What You Need to Know 

General Uses

Lisinopril (Prinivil - the brand name) is a drug used for treating high blood pressure and other ailments that deal with the circulatory system.  It works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood more efficiently.  Specifically, the effects of “loosening” the blood vessels can aid in ways other than easing high blood pressure.  Lisinopril can also treat congestive heart failure and improve a patient’s chances for survival after a heart attack. 

Potential Problems

Lisinopril is in a class of drugs called ACE Inhibitors, which have been found to carry several dangerous side effects in recent studies.  If you are not pregnant, lisinopril can cause heavy sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or other types of fluid loss that may lead to very low blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting.

The consequences of taking this drug while pregnant are even worse, as ACE Inhibitors have been shown to cause serious birth defects in unborn children, specifically to their brains and hearts, and can also cause fetal death.

If you’ve suffered any consequences as a result of taking this drug, see your doctor and contact an attorney immediately. 

Benazepril (Lotensin)

Benazepril - What You Should Know

Intended Uses and Benefits 

Benazepril is a generic form of an ACE Inhibitor, which is a class of drugs manufactured and prescribed primarily for the treatment of high blood pressure and hypertension.  ACE Inhibitors tend to reduce the amount of chemicals in the human body that work against the circulatory system by narrowing blood vessels, making it much more difficult for blood to flow smoothly to and from the heart. 

Typically, the long term result of this narrowing of blood vessels can lead to high blood pressure, heart attacks and even strokes.  ACE Inhibitors also tend to help patients recover from a heart attack by minimizing the structural damage done to the heart immediately after an attack. 

Inherent Risks

Although ACE Inhibitors hit the market with much fanfare, studies have shown that there are substantial risks involved with this class of medication.  Side effects in typical patients range from minor to severe, particularly if there is an allergic reaction.  These side effects include dizziness, coughing, loss of the sense of taste and swelling in the throat and facial areas. 

Pregnant women are taking on potentially grave danger if they use an ACE Inhibitor.  Many authorities have discovered that ACE Inhibitors can lead to serious birth defects that involve unspeakable damage to the child’s brain and heart, and many instances have shown that ACE Inhibitors can lead to fetal death. 

If you have suffered as a result of taking an ACE Inhibitor, you only have a certain amount of time to take action.  In order to make sure that your rights are protected and asserted, contact an experienced attorney today. 

Captopril (Capoten)

Captopril - Information For Your Benefit

General Uses

Captopril is a generic drug that belongs to a class of medications called ACE Inhibitors.  Its main purpose is to help treat patients with high blood pressure, hypertension or those who have recently suffered heart attacks.  The specific function it performs is to eliminate and/or minimize the chemicals in the human body that narrow the blood vessels, as this narrowing phenomenon makes it much more difficult for blood to circulate. 

If blood cannot circulate, it creates an untenable amount of stress on the heart, and the consequences of this condition are severe.  Narrow blood vessels can directly lead to heart attacks and strokes, and many of each are fatal, if not completely debilitating. 

Risks Involved

Unfortunately, several studies in recent years have created a high level of concern regarding the use of ACE Inhibitors.  In regards to side effects, patients can suffer from such conditions as a persistent, hacking cough, spells of dizziness, loss of the sense of taste, swelling in the throat, neck and face and many other previously unforeseen consequences. 

The greatest risk involves pregnant women.  Additional studies have shown that the risk of birth defects nearly doubles in pregnant women who are taking ACE Inhibitors.  These birth defects generally destroy the fetus’ brain and/or heart.  There are also several instances on record where the fetus has died in the womb.

If you have suffered the effects of ACE Inhibitors, please contact an experienced attorney today so that your rights can be protected. 

Ramipril (Altace)

Ramipril (Altace) 

General Use

Ramipril (Altace - Brand Name) is used for the treatment of hypertension.

Potential Problems

Taking Ramipril may cause a variety of adverse reactions depending on your age and health history. Head and neck angioedema can result after taking this drug. This can be a serious side effect since swelling of the tongue or throat can cause airway blockages and difficulty in breathing.

A patient taking Ramipril may also experience impaired renal function, hyperkalemia, cough, or impaired liver functions.

This drug, as for many ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) Inhibitors should not be taken during pregnancy. Cease use of Ramipril upon detecting pregnancy. Taking Ramipril during pregnancy creates risk of injury or death to the developing fetus.

If you have experienced any adverse reaction or had any issues with your pregnancy after or during your use of Ramipril, you need to contact your physician and contact an attorney as soon as possible.

Trandolapril (Mavik)

Trandolapril - Facts You Need to Understand

Uses and Potential Benefits

Trandolapril is a generic form of a drug that fits into the medical class of medication known as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, or “ACE” Inhibitors.  ACE Inhibitors reduce the amount of angiotensin in the body, which is a benefit because this chemical tends to narrow the blood vessels.  Narrower blood vessels increase blood pressure, as the blood has less space in which to travel to get to and from the heart as part of a properly-functioning circulatory system.

The consequences of having narrow blood vessels and increased blood pressure is that this added stress on the body can ultimately lead to serious medical events, such as a heart attack and/or a stroke when not enough blood is reaching these vital areas. 

Problems Recently Discovered

Even though early results with ACE Inhibitors were encouraging, recent research has uncovered serious, or sometimes even grave, consequences for those taking ACE Inhibitors. Pregnant women were particularly vulnerable, as ACE Inhibitors are suspected of causing a number of serious side effects.  A general rule is that a pregnant woman should not take these drugs. 

The result of taking these medications by pregnant women is either serious, irreversible birth defects in the form of damaged hearts and brains of the children or even death.  Even more research has shown that regardless of the trimester, these drugs can pose a significant threat to the unborn child.

If you have suffered as a result of taking an ACE Inhibitor, you only have a pre-defined amount of time to protect your rights.  Therefore, you’re taking an enormous and unnecessary risk by not contacting an attorney immediately. 

Capoten

Capoten

General Use

Capoten is an ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) Inhibitor drug used to treat hypertension.

Potential Problems

Capoten’s has side effects related to renal, hematological, and dermatological functions. Patients using this ACE inhibitor have had renal insufficiency or renal failure, nephritic syndrome, polyuria, oliguria, and urinary frequency. Some patients suffered other side effects such as anemia, rashes, and fever.

Patients taking Capoten also experienced angioedma which is swelling involving lips, tongue, face, mucous membranes, glottis or larynx. This can be serious since airway swelling can cause difficulty in breathing.

Never take Capoten while pregnant or nursing. As with other ACE Inhibitors, Capoten is known to cause injury or death to a fetus if taken during the second and third trimester of pregnancy. Discontinue use of Capoten immediately upon detection of pregnancy.
 
Contact your physician and an attorney immediately, if you have experienced any of these or other adverse side effect or used Capoten during pregnancy.

Lotensin

Lotensin

General Use

Lotensin is a drug that is used to lower your blood pressure.  Lotensin relaxes arteries that will lower blood pressure, but also help improve the pumping of a failing heart and improve cardiac output with those with heart failure.

Lotensin can also be used to treat congestive heart failure

Potential Problems

ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) Inhibitors like Lotensin can cause severe side effects like swelling of the facial tissue and upper airways leading to serious breathing difficulties. Although rare, other serious side effects include abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, loss of taste, headache, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, chest pain, vomiting, chills, fainting, fever, breathing difficulties, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, rash, or a sore/swollen throat.

Using Lotensin during the second and third trimester of pregnancy can result in injury or even death to the developing baby. If you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant, discontinue use of Lotensin as soon as possible.

Treatment under Lotensin can also cause a mild side effect such as a dry, persistent cough which resolves after you stop taking the drug

If you have experienced any of these side effects or experienced any issues with your pregnancy while taking Lotensin, consult with your physician and contact an attorney immediately.

Vasotec

Vasotec

General Use

Vasotec is a drug that lowers your blood pressure by allowing the production of angiotensin II, thereby relaxing the arteries. Relaxed arteries will not only lower blood pressure, but help improve the pumping of a failing heart and improve cardiac output in people with heart failure.

Vasotec can be used alone to treat high blood pressure. In addition, Vasotec is useful for treating congestive heart failure

Potential Problems

If you have a known allergy to ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) Inhibitors, do not take this drug. On very rare occasions, ACE Inhibitors like Vasotec can cause swelling of the facial tissue and upper airways leading to serious breathing difficulties. 

Patients with severe heart failure or a pre-existing kidney disease can incur further damage to kidney functions while taking this drug.

Do not take Vasotec while pregnant or nursing.

Using Vasotec has mild side effects such as a dry, persistent cough which resolves after you stop taking the drug. However, although rare, there are more serious side effects which include abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, loss of taste, headache, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, chest pain, vomiting, chills, fainting, fever, breathing difficulties, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, rash, or sore/swollen throat.

If you have experienced any of these side effects, consult with your physician and contact an attorney immediately.

Aceon

Aceon

General Use

Aceon is an ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) Inhibitor drug that is used to lower high blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular mortality or non-fatal hear attacks.

Potential Problems

Taking Aceon may increase the risk of dangerous allergic reactions such as swelling of your lips or throat. This may result in difficulty in breathing.

Aceon can cause dizziness or drowsiness. Using Aceon can also cause dehydration since its side effects include heavy sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Do not take Aceon if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Aceon is known to cause injury or death to the developing baby while taken during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

If you experienced any adverse reaction or were pregnant during treatment under Aceon, you need to contact your physician and contact an attorney as soon as possible.

Accupril

Accupril

General Use

Accupril is an ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) Inhibitor drug used for treating hypertension (high blood pressure) and congestive heart failure.

Potential Problems

Accupril can cause a variety of serious side effects including dehydration. Since you may experience heavy sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or other causes of fluid loss, take plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Other side effects may include but are not limited to dizziness or drowsiness.

There is an increased risk of dangerous allergic reactions while taking Accupril. These allergic reaction symptoms could include swelling of the lips, face, and tongue. You may also experience difficulty in breathing.

Accupril is known to cause injury or even death to an unborn baby when used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Do not take Accupril if you are pregnant or could become pregnant.

If you were pregnant while taking treatment under Accupril or experienced any other side effects, contact a physician and an attorney as soon as possible.

Univasc

Univasc

General Use

Univasc is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).

Potential Problems

There are several serious side effects that can result from taking Univasc, including allergic reactions. These could include the closing of the throat, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, or hives. You may experience dizziness, fainting, little to no urine, chest pain, or irregular/changes in your heartbeat. You should also be wary of any sign of an infection that would include symptoms of a sore throat and/or fever.

Univasc is known to cause injury or even death to a developing fetus when used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Do not take Univasc if you are pregnant or could become pregnant.

If you have experienced any serious side effect or used Univasc while pregnant, contact your physician and attorney immediately.

Mavik

Necessary Information Regarding Mavik

General Uses

Mavik is a drug that’s a member of the class of medication called ACE Inhibitors, and these drugs are generally used to help patients deal with hypertension, high blood pressure, recovery from heart attacks and in some cases diabetes. 

In a physiological sense, Mavik and other ACE Inhibitors help to decrease the amount of chemicals in the body that tend to tighten blood vessels, as tighter blood vessels make it more difficult for blood to flow freely, thereby creating a higher blood pressure.  ACE Inhibitors have also been shown to help patients recover from heart attacks by reducing the amount of damage that’s done to the heart as a result of the attack. 

Risks Involved

Studies have shown that there are substantial risks involved with taking ACE Inhibitors.  Among them are side effects that include coughing, dizziness, skin rashes, swelling of the face, neck and throat and an increase in the level of potassium in the blood. 

The risks are most substantial in pregnant women.  ACE Inhibitors have shown a tendency to greatly increase the risk of birth defects and prenatal death.  These birth defects, if the child survives, include serious and irreparable damage to the child’s heart and brain and the systems surrounding these organs. 

If you have suffered as a result of taking ACE Inhibitors, you have no time to waste - contact an attorney today to see if you have a claim against the manufacturer as a result of the damages you suffered.  There’s only a certain amount of time available to assert your claim, so time is of the essence. 

Monapril

Monapril - Information You Need

General Uses

Monapril is a prescription drug that belongs to the class of medications called ACE Inhibitors.  ACE Inhibitors are drugs that are designed to help patients suffering from high blood pressure, hypertension, recent heart attacks and even diabetes. 

ACE Inhibitors are designed to reduce the amount of chemicals produced by the body that have the effect of narrowing blood vessels.  Narrow blood vessels, in essence, create a smaller space for blood to circulate, thereby increasing blood pressure.  Increased blood pressure creates several potential problems, including much higher risks for heart attacks, kidney problems and strokes. 

Risks With Using ACE Inhibitors

Although ACE Inhibitors showed early promise in their ability to help with circulation and high blood pressure, recent studies have revealed the presence of significant risks for patients who are prescribed the drug.  Patients can experience several side effects, including dizziness, coughing, swollen necks and throats, loss of taste and a high level of potassium in the blood. 

The most serious risks come with pregnant women who take the drug.  Serious birth defects can occur in the fetus, and even death can result before the child is born due to several factors. 

If you have suffered as a result of using ACE Inhibitors, please contact an attorney immediately to protect your rights.