Belviq (lorcaserin) is no longer available after research showed an increased cancer risk. However, heart-related issues are common with many weight-loss drugs. Belviq was one of the first such medications not linked to heart problems — but heart valve issues are still a potential side effect.
If you developed cancer after taking Belviq, you might have a legal case. John Foy & Associates can determine if you qualify for money. If you have heart problems after taking Belviq, reach out to discuss the details.
We do not charge a fee unless we win you money. To get a FREE consultation today, contact us online.
Belviq and Heart Problems
Previous weight loss drugs have been linked to severe heart issues. In the 1990s, medications for weight loss showed fatal heart value changes. Belviq was the first weight-loss drug that did not show apparent problems for those at risk of heart disease.
When the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Belviq, it required a clinical trial. The manufacturer had to fund a five-year study to check for heart problems:
- The trial included 12,000 patients. Each participant was obese or overweight and at risk for severe heart issues.
- The patients got either a Belviq pill or a placebo pill (with no medication in it). They took a 10 mg pill twice a day.
- After three years, the data did not show a difference in heart problems between the Belviq and placebo patients.
The research did not show significant heart issues with Belviq. However, the FDA label listed several warnings.
Heart Valve Disease
Heart valve disease happens when at least one of your heart’s four valves doesn’t work well. The condition can disrupt blood flow to your heart.
Belviq’s label warned users that patients on similar drugs to Belviq had heart valve issues. However, one-year clinical trials of Belviq did not show risks.
The label also said patients should not combine Belviq with certain drugs that could increase their risk for heart valve disease. Anyone with signs of heart valve disease while taking Belviq should see his or her doctor about stopping the medication.
Heart Rate Decreases
Clinical trials lasting less than a year showed decreased heart rate in those on Belviq:
- The average heart rate for patients without diabetes was 1.2 fewer beats per minute (BPM) on Belviq and 0.4 fewer BPM on a placebo.
- The average heart rate for patients with type 2 diabetes was 2.0 fewer BPM on Belviq and 0.4 fewer BPM on a placebo.
- More patients on Belviq had a heart rate of less than 50 BPM on Belviq versus the placebo.
The FDA warned doctors to be careful if giving Belviq to patients with low heart rate issues.
Congestive Heart Failure
There were no studies on Belviq for congestive heart failure. However, early data showed that there could be issues for those with the condition.
Serotonin Syndrome
Large doses of Belviq could cause Serotonin Syndrome. Serotonin is a chemical your body needs to function. But Serotonin Syndrome is when you have too much serotonin.
Too much serotonin can cause high or low blood pressure, racing heart rate, and many other problems. This could be risky for those with heart issues.
Heart Risk on Belviq
Overall, we don’t know for sure if Belviq changes your risk of heart problems. The research we have did not show evident heart problems on Belviq.
Belviq’s Link to Cancer Risk
Belviq initially received praise for not having links to heart problems. However, it did not last on the market long because of cancer risks.
A five-year clinical trial showed that those on Belviq had a higher cancer rate than those on a placebo pill:
- Of the Belviq group, 7.7% developed cancer.
- Of the placebo group, 7.1% developed cancer.
The FDA determined that the risk was too high. It asked Belviq’s manufacturer, Eisai, Inc., to remove it from the market. In February 2020, Eisai, Inc. asked to have the drug removed.
Types of Cancer Linked to Belviq
The most common cancers from the Belviq trial group were:
- Lung cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Colorectal cancer
If you developed any of these cancers after taking Belviq, you have options. You might be entitled to compensation for your costs.
If a doctor diagnosed you with any other type of cancer, you might still qualify. You do not have to have one of the mentioned cancers. There were a variety of cancer types diagnosed during the trial.
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What to Do if You Were Affected by Belviq
Right now, lawyers are looking at legal options for those affected by Belviq. If you developed cancer or heart problems, reach out today. You might be entitled to money.
At John Foy & Associates, we’ll sit down with you and talk details. Our Belviq lawyers are here to listen and answer your questions. Plus, we will not charge you a thing unless we win your case.
To get a FREE, no-risk consultation, contact us online. We bring over 20 years of experience to the table. We are not afraid to fight for your rights.
Common Damages from Belviq
If you have a case, you can seek compensation for your damages. “Damages” are costs or losses you have because of your diagnosis.
Anyone who makes a drug has a legal duty to those who take it. The manufacturer must ensure the product is safe to consume. If they don’t, it’s a product liability issue. You might be entitled to damages for breach of duty (Georgia Code § 51-1-6).
If Belviq harmed you, you have rights. You can file a product liability case for your damages like:
- Medical bills
- Cancer treatment costs
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Don’t wait to get started, though. You will need to file within your state’s statute of limitations. In Georgia, that’s usually two years from the date of your injury (Georgia Code § 9-3-33).
Get a Free Consultation with a Belviq Lawyer Today
At John Foy & Associates, we have been helping injury victims for over 20 years. We know what it takes to win, and we fight tirelessly for your rights.
When patients have been unfairly exposed to harmful drugs, they deserve to seek financial recovery. In addition to Belviq, there are other prescription drug cases that we have experience with, such as lawsuits regarding Actemra heart failure claims.
While financial compensation doesn’t take away the harm that’s been done, it can help cover medical costs, lost wages, and other damages.
Contact us today for a FREE consultation. We’ll listen to your concerns and discuss your options. Contact us online to get started for FREE today.
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