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Belviq was pulled from the shelves in the U.S. by its manufacturer in February 2020 due to because clinical trials have found evidence that there may be cause for concern.
I have worked on several lawsuits as an experienced lawyer and have seen the devastation this drug can cause first-hand.
In addition, I've spoken to many professionals about Belviq, and they all agree that it likely increases cancer risk. Here's everything you need to know about the dangers of taking this drug.
Quick Summary
- Patients who are obese may be prescribed Belviq (lorcaserin) help them lose weight.
- Belviq was recalled from the market because of the potential risk of developing cancer.
- After a clinical safety trial was completed, the FDA released a warning to the public about cancer being a potential side effect.
What is Belviq or Belviq XR?
Belviq or Belviq XR is a weight-loss drug approved to treat obesity; however, its distributor Eisai Inc. pulled it from the market in 2020 at the request of the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The main ingredient, Lorcaserin, is combined with an approved exercise and diet plan under a doctor's care to help you achieve your desired weight loss goals.
It is prescribed for overweight people or suffering from obesity-related illnesses [1].
How Was Belviq Used?
Belviq was used as a medication provided by medical professionals to obese patients to assist with weight reduction.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Belviq for the following:
- Obese patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more.
- Patients who are overweight (BMI between 27 and 30) have high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol.
Is Belviq Dangerous?
Yes, Belviq is dangerous because it can increase the risk of cancer. The FDA recommended that Belviq patients stop taking the medication immediately and ask their healthcare provider for different options.
However, the drug manufacturer was required to run a clinical trial first.
Here are some details about the trial:
- The trial was conducted over five years and involved around 12,000 participants. It assessed the Belviq medication's impact on cardiovascular safety.
- The Belviq group took the drug, while the other group took a placebo.
- After five years had passed, 7.7% of the Belviq drug group developed cancer, while 7.1% of the placebo group did as well.
Given that the risks outweigh the benefits, in February 2020, the FDA asked this weight loss medication be removed from shelves due to potential cancer risk.
What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Belviq?
The most common side effects of Belviq are headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and more. According to the drug's label, people in clinical trials with and without diabetes experienced a handful of common side effects.
The frequency was higher for those taking Belviq medication than those who were part of the placebo group. However, most of the side effects were mild.
Risks Associated With Belviq
Before Belviq was removed from the market, Consumer Reports medical advisers heavily criticized the medication [2].
According to the FDA label, typical side effects for Belviq are:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Low blood sugar (in those with diabetes)
- Back pain
- Cough
What Do You Do if Belviq Harmed You?
If Belviq harmed you, you might have legal options available to you. You may be entitled to compensation for the damages that you have incurred.
Act now and speak with a lawyer to find out if you have grounds for a case. You're entitled to compensation for any damages not caused by you.
What Compensation Am I Entitled to?
The compensation you are entitled to in a lawsuit against Belviq are any damages, lost income, or treatment expenses caused by the weight loss drug.
Developing cancer and getting a cancer diagnosis is a lot to handle, and finding out that medication might have played a role in causing it can be even more stressful.
If this applies to you, you could potentially receive compensation for the following:
- Medical bills or prescription medications.
- Cancer treatment.
- Lost wages.
- Lost earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering.
- Mental anguish.
Cancer is a serious illness, and we want to help you through this tough time. If you or someone you love developed cancer after taking Belviq, you must know your legal options.
You might be eligible for compensation if your loved one died from cancer after taking Belviq or Belviq XR. Contact a trusted lawyer today to see if you have a case.
"We will continue to track safety issues with medications on the market and use science and data as our guide to act when we have determined that the risks associated with drugs are greater than the benefits of treatment."
- Janet Woodcock, M.D., Director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research
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FAQs
Is Belviq Safe to Take?
No, Belviq is not safe to take. Based on clinical trials, it has been proven that it can increase the risk of cancer.
Why Was Belviq Discontinued?
Belviq was discontinued by the FDA because a clinical safety trial showed an increased cancer occurrence.
What Type of Cancer Does Belviq Cause?
The type of cancer that Belviq causes are lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and colorectal cancer were seen in Belviq users during a five-year study of the drug's risk.
File a Belviq Claim and Get Compensated
If you took the weight loss drug Belviq or Belviq XR and developed cancer, you could be eligible for compensation. Don't wait to file a claim- the sooner you do, the better your chances of receiving the maximum compensation possible.
Get in touch with Schmidt & Clark, LLP today to set up a free consultation with one of our expert lawyers. At our law firm, we will review the details of your case and work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
References:
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-164439/belviq-oral/details
- https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2013/06/weight-loss-pill-belviq-is-now-available-but-we-say-skip-it/index.htm