When Was Belviq Taken Off the Market?

Belviq’s manufacturer, Eisai, Inc., took the drug off the market on Thursday, February 13, 2020. The pull happened after a study showed an increased cancer risk.

If you received a cancer diagnosis after taking Belviq, you might have legal options. You could be entitled to compensation for your costs. Our Belviq lawyers at John Foy & Associates can let you know if you have a case.

The Timeline for Belviq Coming off the Market

Belviq (lorcaserin) is a weight-loss drug used for obese and overweight patients with weight-related conditions. It had two forms: Belviq and Belviq XR.

Before Belviq was taken off the market, there were concerns. Here’s an overview of the drug’s history:

• December 2009: Arena Pharmaceuticals, one of the drug’s manufacturers, sends a drug application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
• February 2010: The FDA accepts the manufacturer’s request to file the drug.
• October 2010: The FDA announces that it has reviewed the application and cannot approve the current form of lorcaserin. Studies on lorcaserin showed increased rates of tumors in rat subjects.
• January 2012: The manufacturers issue a response to address the FDA’s concerns. They send a new drug application to the FDA.
• June 2012: The FDA approves Belviq for the U.S. market. The drug is to be used as an add-on to diet and exercise for weight loss.
• July 2019: The FDA approves Belviq XR, the extended-release version of Belviq.
• January 2020: The FDA announces that a clinical trial of Belviq showed an increased cancer risk. They continue investigating.
• February 2020: The FDA requests a withdrawal of Belviq from the market. The manufacturer submits to remove the medication.

Belviq was officially taken off the market in early 2020. Although the manufacturer said it did not agree with the FDA’s concerns, it followed the request.

The FDA has told all patients on Belviq to stop taking the medication. Patients should talk to their doctors about alternative drugs or other solutions. Doctors should have their patients stop using Belviq.

If you were taking Belviq and developed cancer, you might have a case. A Belviq lawyer can go over your options. To learn more during a FREE consultation contact us online.

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Why Belviq Was Recalled from the Market

When the FDA approved Belviq, it required the manufacturer to do a clinical trial. The trial lasted for five years and had about 12,000 participants.

Researchers randomly gave some participants Belviq. Other participants got a placebo pill. The study looked for heart-related issues with the drug: Cardiovascular Safety of Lorcaserin in Overweight or Obese Patients.

Instead of heart issues, the study revealed cancer concerns:

• Researchers found that 7.7% of patients on Belviq developed cancer.
• In comparison, 7.1% of patients on the placebo developed cancer.

The FDA examined the findings. It determined that the cancer risk was too high for the benefits. So, Belviq was removed from the market.

Types of Cancer Found in Belviq Study

During the five years of the trial, 662 patients on Belviq received 520 primary cancer diagnoses. Of the placebo group, 423 patients developed 470 cancers. It also seemed that the patient’s cancer risk increased the longer they were taking Belviq.

The cancers that showed up most often were:

• Lung cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Colorectal cancer

These cancers were most common, but the study showed many other types. The research could suggest a link to any cancer types, including brain and breast cancers.

Even though early studies showed tumors in rats, the FDA could not ignore the clinical trial. The 2020 results provided enough for the FDA to remove the drug. The agency could not conclude that Belviq directly caused cancer, but the risk was enough to discontinue it.

Filing a Belviq Cancer Lawsuit

Since Belviq’s removal from the market, patients who developed cancer have been contacting lawyers. If you took Belviq/Belviq XR and have or have had cancer, you might be entitled to compensation.

You can seek compensation by filing a Belviq lawsuit. A Belviq lawyer can look at your situation and go over your legal options. If you qualify, they can help you start building a strong case.

You might be able to claim damages like:

• Medical bills
• Cancer treatment costs
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Physical and emotional pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• And other losses

You can help your case by keeping track of your medical records and costs. Get any treatment you need right away, and follow your doctor’s orders. If you have any questions about how to handle your expenses, talk to your Belviq lawyer.

Also, do not wait to take action. Your state’s statute of limitations will impact how long you have to file. If you pass the deadline, you might not be able to recover any money.

Look for a lawyer who has experience with similar cases. They should offer you a free consultation to learn more. During the meeting, you can determine if you have a claim and find out how your lawyer can help you.

Wrongful Death Damages from Belviq

If a loved one died from cancer after taking Belviq, you might be able to fight on their behalf. Talk to your lawyer about a possible wrongful death lawsuit. You may be able to file a case for compensation damages, including:

• Medical costs
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of companionship
• Loss of consortium
• Funeral and burial costs

Talk to an Experienced Belviq Lawyer for Free Today

If you developed cancer after taking Belviq, it’s crucial to know your options. Work with a lawyer who has the right experience and keeps your best interests in mind. You can schedule a free consultation to learn more.

At John Foy & Associates, we have over 20 years of experience working on personal injury and product liability cases. We are not afraid to fight for your rights. Plus, we do not charge a fee unless we win you money.

To get a FREE, no-risk consultation, contact us online today.