Belviq Cancer Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

Belviq Lawsuit Overview

Belviq (lorcaserin) lawsuits involve claims against manufacturer Eisai Inc. for serious cancer risks associated with the weight-loss medication.

Studies revealed users had significantly higher rates of pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancers compared to non-users.

A landmark CAMELLIA-TIMI study of over 12,000 patients found 520 cancer cases in Belviq users versus 470 in the placebo group.

After reviewing these findings, the FDA requested the voluntary withdrawal of Belviq from the U.S. market in February 2020, determining that its risks outweighed any potential benefits.

Latest Belviq Lawsuit Updates

• March 2025: Plaintiffs’ lawyers have requested consolidation of all Belviq cancer lawsuits into multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the Eastern District of Louisiana, aiming to streamline hundreds of expected cases. Defendants oppose the motion, preferring “cooperation and informal coordination between the parties.”
• January 2025: A class action lawsuit filed in New York by Barbara Zottola against Eisai, Inc., Arena Pharmaceuticals Inc., and CVS Health Co. alleges the companies knew about Belviq’s potential to cause cancer for years but failed to adequately warn consumers. The suit seeks damages for breach of implied warranty, deceptive acts, false advertising, unjust enrichment, fraud, and conversion.
• November 2024: New clinical data continues to strengthen the connection between long-term Belviq use and increased cancer risks, particularly for pancreatic cancer (sixteen cases versus two in placebo), colorectal cancer (twenty-six cases versus fourteen), and lung cancer (forty cases versus twenty-five).

Related Article: How & Where to Dispose of Belviq Pills?

FDA Reports and Statistics

The FDA’s evaluation of Belviq revealed concerning safety data that ultimately led to the drug’s removal from the market:

• The CAMELLIA-TIMI safety study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) in September 2020 showed 990 total cancer cases, with 520 in Belviq users and 470 in the placebo group [1].
• Pancreatic cancer rates were eight times higher in Belviq users (16 cases) compared to placebo (2 cases).
• Colorectal cancer cases were nearly twice as frequent in Belviq users (26 cases) compared to placebo (14 cases).
• Lung cancer occurred at a rate 60% higher in Belviq users (40 cases) versus placebo (25 cases).
• After 180 days of use, cancer rates in the Belviq group consistently exceeded the placebo group.
• Metastatic cancer cases were significantly higher in Belviq users (34 cases) compared to placebo (19 cases).
• In January 2020, the FDA began reviewing clinical trial data indicating a potential cancer link with Belviq [2].

“The agency recognizes the importance of weight-loss therapies, but the magnitude of clinical benefit associated with modest weight reduction is uncertain, and this benefit may manifest only after years of sustained weight loss. Cancer risk may also be higher among patients using lorcaserin over the long term.”- John Sharretts, M.D., Deputy Director, Division of Metabolism and Endocrinology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Belviq Injuries & Side Effects

Belviq has been linked to various serious health conditions, with cancer being the most significant risk that led to its market withdrawal.

• Cancer Risk: Multiple types of cancer including pancreatic, colorectal, lung, breast, and liver cancer.
• Cardiovascular Issues: Heart valve damage, heart attack, stroke, and hypertension.
• Neurological Effects: Memory loss, confusion, serotonin syndrome, unusual thoughts or behaviors.
• Psychological Impact: Extreme mood changes, thoughts of suicide, agitation, and feelings of disassociation.
• Other Serious Concerns: Allergic reactions, stiff muscles, fainting, low blood sugar, and reproductive system issues.

Related Article: Types of Cancer Linked to Belviq

Do You Qualify for a Belviq Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Belviq lawsuit if:

• You took Belviq or Belviq XR for weight loss.
• You were diagnosed with cancer, particularly pancreatic, colorectal, or lung cancer after taking the medication.
• You had been taking Belviq for at least 6 months before your cancer diagnosis.
• Your cancer diagnosis occurred within 7 years of using Belviq.
• You are over 18 years of age (as Belviq was only indicated for adult use).

Evidence Required for a Belviq Lawsuit

• Medical records confirming your Belviq prescription and usage history.
• Documentation of your cancer diagnosis, including the specific type of cancer.
• Medical records detailing your cancer treatment plan and progress.
• Evidence showing you did not have a pre-existing diagnosis of the same cancer before taking Belviq.
• Proof of the timeline between your Belviq use and cancer diagnosis.

Damages You Can Recover

Victims of Belviq-related cancer may be eligible to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses related to cancer treatment
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Other punitive damages against the manufacturers

Belviq Recall Information

In February 2020, the FDA requested the recall of Belviq and Belviq XR (lorcaserin) due to data showing an increased occurrence of cancer in users.

Manufacturer Eisai Inc. complied with this request and voluntarily withdrew both products from the U.S. market.

This recall followed a safety clinical trial showing Belviq users had higher rates of several types of cancer compared to those taking placebo.

Importantly, this action came after earlier safety concerns:

• The FDA initially rejected lorcaserin due to cancer risk identified in preclinical studies.
• A 2007 Arena Pharmaceuticals study found Belviq caused rare and aggressive tumors in rats.
• Despite these concerns, the FDA approved Belviq in 2013 with the stipulation that Eisai conduct long-term clinical trials.
• The European Medicines Agency rejected the drug over safety concerns in 2012.

If you still have Belviq, the FDA recommends disposing of it properly at a drug take-back location or following specific household disposal guidelines.

The FDA is not recommending special cancer screening for former Belviq users but advises maintaining regular recommended cancer screenings.

Statute of Limitations for Belviq Lawsuits

The statute of limitations for filing a Belviq lawsuit varies by state, typically ranging from 1-6 years from the date you discovered (or should have reasonably discovered) your injury.

Because Belviq was recalled in February 2020, many potential claimants are still within their window to file.

If you’re filing a wrongful death claim on behalf of a loved one who died from cancer potentially caused by Belviq, you generally need to file within 1-3 years of their death, though this also varies by state.

Given these varying timeframes and the complexity of pharmaceutical litigation, it’s crucial to consult with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within the applicable statute of limitations.

Related Articles:

• Texas Belviq Recall Lawsuit
• Alaska Belviq Lawsuits
• Belviq Alternatives

FAQs

1. Why Was Belviq Recalled by the FDA?

The FDA recalled Belviq in February 2020 after clinical studies revealed an increased risk of cancer in users. Specifically, the CAMELLIA-TIMI study showed higher rates of pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancers in Belviq users compared to those taking placebo, with cancer risk increasing with longer duration of use.

2. What is Belviq and How Does it Work?

Belviq (lorcaserin) is a weight-loss medication that works by altering the brain’s chemical signals responsible for appetite and increasing feelings of fullness. It was approved by the FDA in 2012 for use alongside diet and exercise to treat obesity, particularly in patients with weight-related conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, or elevated blood pressure.

3. What is the Difference Between Belviq and Belviq XR?

Belviq was available in two forms: standard Belviq (10 mg tablets taken twice daily) and Belviq XR (extended-release formulation taken once daily). Both contained the active ingredient lorcaserin and carried the same safety risks that led to their market withdrawal.

4. Does Belviq Affect Your Memory?

According to the New England Journal of Medicine, studies found that Belviq patients may experience memory loss, with risk depending on dosage and duration of use [3]. This is one of several neurological side effects associated with the medication.

5. What Should I Do if I Took Belviq and Was Diagnosed with Cancer?

If you took Belviq and were diagnosed with cancer, you should consult with both a healthcare provider about your medical options and an attorney experienced in pharmaceutical litigation about your legal rights. You may be eligible to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

6. What is the Status of Belviq Lawsuits?

Belviq lawsuits are in the early stages. Plaintiffs’ lawyers have requested consolidation into multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the Eastern District of Louisiana, while defendants oppose this motion. To date, there have been no verdicts or major settlements, but the number of cases continues to grow.

7. Is it Safe to Use Belviq During Pregnancy?

No. Belviq was classified as a Pregnancy Category X medication, meaning there is evidence of fetal abnormalities based on adverse reaction data. The FDA stated Belviq should only be used by pregnant women when the potential benefits outweigh the risks, which would be rare circumstances.

See all related dangerous drug lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.

Get a Free Belviq Cancer Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for Belviq-related cancer.

State statutes of limitations restrict how long you have to file a claim after discovering your injury, typically between 1-6 years depending on your location.

As evidence becomes more difficult to gather and preserve over time, it’s crucial to act promptly.

Our Pharmaceutical Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP offers:

• Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
• No upfront costs or fees for our legal services
• Payment only if we win your case
• Nationwide representation with expertise in dangerous drug litigation

References:

1. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp2003873
2. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/safety-clinical-trial-shows-possible-increased-risk-cancer-weight-loss-medicine-belviq-belviq-xr
3. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp1211277