Belviq Lawsuit

Diet Drug Belviq Removed From Market Due To Cancer Risk

The results of a recent clinical trial show that the diet drug Belviq (lorcaserin) is linked to an increased risk of developing cancer. Drug manufacturer Eisai Inc. has “submitted a request to voluntarily withdraw the drug” according to Dr. Janet Woodcock, Director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.

Now, “we’re taking steps to notify the public,” she added, stating that “our review of the full clinical trial results shows that the potential risk of cancer associated with the drug outweighs the benefit of treatment.”

The agency stated that “patients should stop using the medication Belviq and Belviq XR [lorcaserin] and talk to their health care professionals about other treatment options for weight loss. Health care professionals should stop prescribing and dispensing Belviq and Belviq XR.”

The agency first announced that Belviq might have links to cancer in a communication issued Jan 15, 2020.

What is Belviq?

Belviq was approved by the FDA in 2012 for use as an add-on therapy to help aid weight loss, along with diet and exercise, in people who were obese or overweight. Belviq increases feelings of fullness so that people eat less. It’s available as a tablet (Belviq) and an extended-release tablet (Belviq XR).

Injuries Associated With Belviq

The FDA ordered a randomized, placebo-controlled trial be conducted involving 12,000 people tracked for more than five years.” A range of cancer types was reported,” the FDA said. “Several different types of cancers occurred more frequently among patients treated with Belviq, including: 

  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Lung cancer

During the trial, one additional cancer per 470 patients treated with the medication for one year was observed.”

Now Accepting Belviq Lawsuit Clients

The Justice Attorneys at Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz, PLLC are investigating claims of increased risk of cancers in patients that took Belviq. Contact our Belviq attorneys today for a free consultation. There is never a fee unless we recover for you.

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