What Should I Do If I’ve Been Affected By Belviq?

The weight-loss drug Belviq is no longer on the market after a study showed an increased cancer risk. If you or someone you love was affected by Belviq, you might have a legal case. Those with cancer who took Belviq may be eligible for compensation.

John Foy & Associates can discuss your legal options with you. With over 20 years of legal experience, we know how to handle such a serious case. We’ll look at your situation and determine if you qualify for money.

Call us today at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a FREE consultation. We do not charge a fee unless we win you money. There is no risk in getting started today.

Belviq and Increased Cancer Risks

In February 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asked Belviq’s manufacturer, Eisai, Inc., to withdraw the drug from the market. The FDA announced this after getting the results of a study.

When the FDA approved Belviq, it required Eisai, Inc. to do a clinical trial. The trial involved about 12,000 people. It took place over five years. Results showed an increased cancer rate in patients taking Belviq:

• 7.7% of the Belviq group developed cancer.
• 7.1% of the placebo group developed cancer.

The FDA decided that the risks were too high. They asked Eisai, Inc. to submit a request to take Belviq off the market.

Other Risks of Belviq

Before the clinical trial, there were other concerns about Belviq. Early tests showed potential heart-related issues with the drug. Animal studies also showed tumors in rats.

The clinical trial that found an increased cancer risk was looking at possible heart-related risks. Instead, the results showed cancer concerns.

Besides the above risks, Belviq’s common side effects include:

• Headaches.
• Fatigue.
• Constipation.
• Dizziness.
• Dry mouth.
• Back pain.
• Nausea.
• Low blood sugar in diabetes patients.

More severe side effects include:

• Heart valve issues.
• Serotonin Syndrome (when combined with certain medications).
• Memory and concentration problems.
• Low white and red blood cell count.
• Decreased milk production in females.
• Male breast growth.
• Decreased heart rate.

It’s also concerning that patients were already taking Belviq as the clinical trial was going on. Early patients on Belviq did not have a way to know about the cancer-related risks.

What to Do if You Were Affected by Belviq

There are several ways Belviq (generic name: lorcaserin) might have affected you. Here’s what you should do.

Do Not Take Any More Belviq

Whether Belviq had side effects for you or not, you should stop taking the medication. The FDA mentioned this in its statement in February 2020. They advised those on Belviq to talk to their doctors about alternative weight-loss drug options.

Dispose of Unused Belviq

If you can, take your unused Belviq to a drug disposal location. If you can’t do this, you can get rid of the medication at home:

• Mix the Belviq pills with a substance like cat litter, dirt, or coffee grounds. Do not crush the capsules.
• Put the mixture into a sealed container, such as a plastic bag.
• Throw away the container in your trash.
• Remove all personal information from the medication label.
• Throw away or recycle your empty medication bottle.

Talk to Your Doctor About Any Concerns

Your doctor can talk with you about other medication options. They might also discuss diet, exercise, and other methods. If you’re worried about Belviq’s risks, bring them up to your doctor.

The FDA does not recommend special cancer screening if you took Belviq. However, if you have questions or concerns, talk to your doctor.

Talk to a Belviq Lawyer

If you received a cancer diagnosis after taking Belviq, you have rights. You might be entitled to compensation. It’s best to contact a lawyer as soon as possible.

A Belviq lawyer will:

• Examine the details of your diagnosis.
• Look at your medical records and when you took Belviq.
• Calculate your total damages.
• Determine if you’re eligible for compensation.
• Help you build a strong case.

You might be able to join a mass tort against Belviq’s manufacturer. Product liability laws require manufacturers to provide safe products.

If you have heart issues after taking Belviq, you might also have a case. A lawyer can let you know your options.

You can talk to a Belviq lawyer about how the drug has affected you today. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get a FREE consultation. There is no charge to you unless we win.

What to Know About Belviq

Belviq began under the generic name lorcaserin. It has two forms:

• Belviq
• Belviq XR (extended-release)

The FDA approved Belviq for obese patients and overweight patients with at least one weight-related condition. For example, overweight patients might have high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

Doctors prescribed Belviq along with diet and exercise. It was meant to act as an add-on treatment. Belviq was the first diet drug to come out in over thirteen years. The FDA rejected similar diet drugs because of heart-related concerns.

The United States Drug Enforcement Administration classified Belviq as a Schedule IV drug. When people took high doses, they had hallucinations. Some people started to become dependent on the drug.

Your Damages from Taking Belviq

Drug manufacturers must put out safe products. For many people, Belviq was taken off the market too late. If you took Belviq, you might have damages.

In a product liability case, there are two main types of damages:

1. Special damages
2. General damages

Special damages are economic costs. Your medical bills and lost wages are special losses. Keep track of all invoices and receipts to show these damages.

General damages are about pain and suffering. You might have mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and other emotional injuries. These losses are harder to prove, so you’ll need a lawyer’s expertise.

A Belviq lawyer can calculate all of your damages. Your losses will help you know what type of settlement you deserve.

Talk to a Belviq Lawyer for Free Today

If you developed cancer after taking Belviq, don’t wait. You might be entitled to compensation—but time is limited.

At John Foy & Associates, we can help. Call us at (404) 400-4000, or contact us online today to get a FREE consultation. There is no charge to you unless we win your case.