In February 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asked the manufacturer of Belviq (lorcaserin) to take the drug off the market. The request came after clinical trials showed an increased risk of cancer. If Belviq impacted you or a loved one, read below to see what the FDA has done in response.
If you developed cancer after taking Belviq, you might be entitled to compensation. John Foy & Associates can determine if you have a legal case. If you do, we can assist you in building a substantial lawsuit.
With over 20 years of experience, we know what it takes to win cases. We do not charge a fee unless we win you money, so there is no risk. To get a FREE case evaluation today, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
What to Know About the Belviq Recall
Belviq/Belviq XR (chemical name: lorcaserin) is a weight-loss drug prescribed to obese and overweight individuals. The medication helped promote weight loss by controlling appetite. Belviq triggered brain receptors that increased satisfied feelings.
When the FDA approved Belviq, they required the manufacturer to do a clinical trial. The trial involved 12,000 participants and lasted five years. One group took the Belviq drug while the other group took a placebo pill.
The clinical trial’s purpose was to watch for increased heart disease risk. Instead, the results of the clinical trial found an association with high occurrences of cancer:
- 7.7% of the trial patients who took Belviq received cancer diagnoses.
- 7.1% of the patients given a placebo received cancer diagnoses.
- The most frequent cancer types in the Belviq group were lung, pancreatic, and colorectal. However, the trial reported a variety of cancers.
The differences in rates were enough to bring action from the FDA.
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How the FDA Has Responded to the Belviq Recall
After seeing the difference in cancer diagnosis rates, the FDA investigated. It announced the trial data and possible cancer risk associated with Belviq.
In February 2020, it asked Belviq’s manufacturer to withdraw the drug from the U.S. market. The manufacturer complied and submitted a request to stop sales of the drug. The FDA reported they believed the drug’s risks outweigh its benefits based on the available information.
The FDA advised all patients on Belviq to stop taking the drug and dispose of extra medication. It also told healthcare providers not to prescribe or administer the medication anymore.
What to Do if You Were Taking Belviq
According to the FDA, patients on Belviq should stop taking it. You should speak with your doctor about alternative weight-loss options and management programs.
If you still have Belviq pills, it’s best to take them to a drug disposal location near you. If you can’t do that, the FDA advises throwing the drugs away by:
- Mixing (but not crushing) the pills with an unappealing substance like dirt or cat litter.
- Sealing the drug-substance mixture in a container (like a plastic bag).
- Taking any personal information off of the label.
- Throwing the container away in your home trash.
The FDA has not recommended any special cancer screenings for Belviq patients. However, if you received a cancer diagnosis, you might have legal options.
Your Next Steps in the Belviq Case
You might be entitled to compensation if a doctor diagnosed you with cancer after taking Belviq. At John Foy & Associates, we are collecting information on the Belviq recall and talking to victims. Our Belviq lawyers are here to answer your questions and go over your options.
To ensure you know your rights, call a lawyer to schedule a FREE case evaluation. Bring your medical records and timeline for when you took Belviq. We’ll examine your situation to determine whether you have a case.
You might be able to seek compensation for personal injury damages like the following:
- Medical bills
- Cancer treatment costs
- Lost wages from missed work time
- Loss of earning capacity
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional pain and suffering
If a loved one passed away from cancer after taking Belviq, our lawyers are available to help. We can let you know if you have a wrongful death case.
After the recall, your doctor should have let you know about the Belviq risks. If they did not, corrupt practices could be at play. Let your lawyer know about the details.
Before it’s too late, call now to discuss your Belviq case details. The statute of limitations may prevent you from seeking compensation after two years. To get started with a FREE case evaluation, call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Early Concerns About Belviq Safety
Although Belviq’s manufacturer removed their drug from the market, for many people, the damage has already been done. Plus, patients had access to the medication even before researchers had finished the clinical trial.
Unfortunately, the clinical trial was not the first red flag about the drug. The FDA initially did not approve Belviq because of safety concerns. And a study by Arena Pharmaceuticals Inc. in 2007 found Belviq caused tumors in rats.
Belviq’s manufacturer resubmitted its application for approval in 2012. In 2013, the FDA finally approved it. All of the above is cause for concern, and now such damage is too little too late.
Pursue the Damages You Deserve
If you received a cancer diagnosis after taking Belviq, it’s essential to know your rights. Lung, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers were most frequent in trial results. However, you might have a case if you received any cancer diagnosis.
Our Belviq lawyers can help you seek the compensation you deserve. You should not have to bear the costs of a severe drug situation you did not cause.
Talk to an Experienced Belviq Lawyer for Free Today
At John Foy & Associates, we have 20-plus years of experience helping injury victims. We can look at your condition and determine if you have a case. Our lawyers will listen with compassion, kindness, and an expert’s ear.
We do not charge a fee unless we win you money. You can work with us without worrying about upfront or out-of-pocket costs. Plus, the consultation is always FREE.
To schedule your FREE consultation today, call us at (404) 400-4000, or contact us online. You can call us 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
