Do You Have to Wean Off of Belviq?

If you were taking Belviq before the FDA ordered it removed from the market, you might wonder if you have to wean off slowly. After recent clinical trial results, patients should stop taking the medication due to a possible increased risk of cancer. But is it safe to do so all at once?

Discontinuing Belviq and Belviq XR

Information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not mention a need for weaning off Belviq.

The Belviq label advises discontinuing the drug if you have adverse symptoms. Instructions also suggest stopping if the patient has not lost at least five percent of their baseline body weight. However, it does not state the need to taper off slowly.

In all cases, you should talk to your doctor before starting or stopping any medications. However, the situation with Belviq is slightly different because the FDA no longer advises the drug for anyone.

Withdrawal Symptoms from Belviq

When you do stop taking Belviq, you might experience some withdrawal symptoms. The drug’s label does not name any specific withdrawal effects. However, other weight loss pills have reported physical withdrawal side effects like:

• Fatigue.
• Low energy levels.
• Muscle aches or pains.
• Weight gain.
• Increased appetite.
• Concentration issues.

Emotional side effects of stopping a weight loss drug may include:

• Depression.
• Anxiety.
• Irritability.
• Food cravings.
• Loss of enjoyment.
• Low moods.

There is no proof to show if someone can become physically addicted to Belviq, but side effects like delusions suggest someone could become emotionally addicted. This addiction can affect how you feel when you stop Belviq.

Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have when quitting Belviq. They can let you know if they feel you need to stop the drug slowly. However, it seems most recommendations do not require weaning off.

Belviq Uses on the U.S. Market

Belviq and Belviq XR (the extended-release version) are weight-loss medications. Doctors prescribed these drugs for obese patients and overweight patients with weight-related health problems.

Belviq helped users by providing feelings of fullness to decrease overeating. Years before the manufacturer took Belviq off the market, Consumer Reports (CR) did not recommend it. CR reports said the drug had too many risks without significant results.

Why Belviq Is No Longer on the Market

After looking at clinical trial results, the FDA asked Belviq’s manufacturer to take the drug off the U.S. market in February 2020.

Here’s what you need to know:

• When the FDA approved Belviq, they required the manufacturer to do a clinical trial. The trial was to look at heart-related risks using Belviq.
• The trial involved about 12,000 participants over five years. Some participants took Belviq while others took a placebo pill.
• After five years, the results showed patients on Belviq had more cancer diagnoses than those taking the placebo.
• The FDA decided that the risk was too high to keep the drug on the market. They asked the manufacturer to remove it.

The trial reported a range of diagnosed cancers. However, the most frequent in the Belviq group were lung, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers.

The FDA told patients to stop taking the drug and dispose of it. The administration also advised healthcare professionals to discontinue prescribing and giving Belviq to patients.

If you developed cancer (of any kind) after taking Belviq, you might have legal options. You could be entitled to money for what you’ve suffered. Our Belviq lawyers are looking at potential clients now. To determine if you qualify, schedule a FREE, no-risk consultation by contacting us online.

Reporting Your Belviq Side Effects

Although Belviq is no longer available, you can still report side effects. The FDA’s MedWatch program records side effects from medications. You can submit your symptoms on the FDA website’s contact page.

What to Do if You Took Belviq

All patients who were taking Belviq should discontinue it. If you are still taking the drug, talk to your doctor about stopping right away. If you have cancer after taking the medication, you might be entitled to compensation.

Our Belviq lawyers can let you know if you have a case. Now is the best time to reach out. If a loved one died from cancer after taking Belviq or Belviq XR, you might have a wrongful death case.

At John Foy & Associates, we have 20-plus years of experience in personal injury law and product liability. Our lawyers know how to build a strong case and win. Contact us today for a FREE consultation to go over the details.

Belviq Case Damages You Can Claim

If you took Belviq and developed cancer afterward, you may have a case. You might be entitled to money for the following losses:

• Medical bills
• Medical treatment
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Wrongful death

An experienced Belviq lawyer can help you build a strong case. They can also determine the damages you can seek as compensation (Georgia Code Section 51-12-4).

It’s best to take action now before the statute of limitations runs out. You should not have to pay for costs that you did not cause.

Get a Free Consultation With a Trusted Belviq Lawyer

At John Foy & Associates, we’ve stayed up-to-date on the Belviq case since the beginning. Our attorneys are ready to help those who suffered after taking the medication—at no fault of their own.

We will listen to your situation and your concerns, then let you know your options. If you decide to work with us, there is no risk to you. We’ll be there for you every step of the way.

Working with us is risk-free because:

• We do not charge any upfront fees.
• We do not collect a legal payment unless we win you money.
• The consultation is always 100% FREE.

You can begin working with us right away—no need to worry about out-of-pocket costs or hidden fees. To get started with your FREE, no-risk consultation, contact us online today.