Belviq (lorcaserin) is a weight-loss drug. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently asked Belviq’s manufacturer to take it off the market. We’ll cover the hows and whys below.
If you or a loved one has suffered because of Belviq, you have options. John Foy & Associates can help. With over 20 years of experience, we know how to handle cases like this.
We’ll listen to your situation and determine if you have a case. To get a FREE consultation today, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Why Belviq Was Removed from the Market
In January 2020, the FDA made an important announcement about Belviq. They were looking at clinical trial data about the drug. Based on the preliminary analysis, the FDA found a possible cancer risk associated with the drug.
Because of the potential link, the FDA asked Belviq’s manufacturer (Eisai, Inc.) to withdraw the drug from the U.S. market. In February 2020, Eisai, Inc. submitted a request to remove Belviq.
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What the Belviq Data Showed
The FDA approved Belviq in 2012. At that time, the manufacturer had to conduct a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The trial involved 12,000 patients over five years.
The clinical trial was looking at cardiovascular risk—but they found another issue instead. The trial found that:
- More patients taking Belviq received a cancer diagnosis than those on the placebo. (The placebo is inactive and does not contain the drug.)
- Patients reported a variety of cancer diagnoses. Several cancer types happened more often in the Belviq group.
- Cancers that were more frequent in the Belviq group included lung, pancreatic, and colorectal.
Since the FDA report came out, patients have started filing lawsuits. If you received a cancer diagnosis after taking Belviq, you might have a case.
At John Foy & Associates, we will evaluate your situation for FREE and let you know if you have a case. Call today at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online. We work purely on contingency, so you don’t pay unless we win.
Important Details About Belviq/Belviq XR
Doctors prescribed Belviq as a long-term weight-loss drug for obese individuals. The generic drug name is lorcaserin. It was available in two forms:
- Belviq
- Belviq XR (the extended-release version)
Eisai, Inc., was the manufacturer of Belviq. The FDA approved its use in 2012. The drug was not taken off the market until results from the clinical trial emerged.
What to Do if You Took Belviq (Lorcaserin)
If you are currently taking Belviq, talk to your doctor about stopping it. You can discuss other treatment options with them.
If you can, take the medication to a drug take-back location. If you don’t have a place to take the drug, you can dispose of it by:
- Mixing (not crushing) the pills with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other gross material.
- Putting the mix into a sealed plastic bag or similar container.
- Throwing the bottle with the pills into your trash.
- Getting rid of any personal information on the label.
Next, if you developed cancer after taking Belviq, you might be entitled to compensation. Contact a personal injury lawyer to know for sure.
Reach Out for Legal Help
If you developed cancer after taking Belviq, now is the time to seek help. The case is still in its early stages. It’s the best time to see if you qualify.
An experienced Belviq lawyer will listen to you and determine if you have a case. If you do, they can help you seek the recovery you deserve.
How to Know if You Qualify for a Belviq Lawsuit
If you or a loved one took Belviq/Belviq XR and were diagnosed with cancer, you might have a case. Contact an attorney to know for sure. We especially recommend reaching out if all of the following are true for you:
- You took Belviq for at least six months
- You have lung, colorectal, or pancreatic cancer after taking Belviq
- You took Belviq within seven years of your cancer diagnosis
If you developed any cancer after taking Belviq, contact a lawyer. A quick and FREE consultation can let you know your options. If you lost a loved one to cancer who took Belviq, also reach out.
How to Report Your Belviq Side Effects
The FDA is asking patients and medical providers to report Belviq’s side effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA MedWatch program on the FDA website.
Your Rights After Taking Belviq
When a manufacturer makes a new drug, they have a legal duty under Georgia Code § 51-1-11). They must ensure that their product does not cause harm to others. If the manufacturer fails in their duty, they are legally liable.
If Belviq might have caused your cancer, you have rights. You should not have to pay for the costs like:
- Medical bills
- Cancer treatment
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
You have a legal right to seek compensation for your damages. A Belviq lawyer can determine all of your losses.
In a product liability case, you also have to show that:
- You are bringing a lawsuit against the product’s manufacturer.
- The product was defective when it left the manufacturer’s control.
- The defect caused your injuries.
Your lawyer will know how to build a strong case. They can show the link between your diagnosis and Belviq’s potential cancer risk.
Many people have come forward after the FDA data was released. Although Belviq is off the market, it has still affected many lives. You and your loved ones should not have to suffer for the results of a drug that was supposed to help, not harm.
Talk to a Belviq Lawyer for Free Today
At John Foy & Associates, we have been winning cases for our clients for over 20 years. We know how to handle substantial liability lawsuits like the Belviq case. Contact us today, and we’ll go over the details with you.
Our lawyers are experienced, compassionate, and dedicated to your needs. We will listen carefully and let you know your rights. If you qualify for the Belviq lawsuits, we’ll get started right away. Plus, we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
To get a FREE, no-risk consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
