According to recent studies, the weight loss drug Belviq (lorcaserin) is causing an increased risk of cancer. In January 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a drug alert announcing the potential link between the weight loss drug and an increased risk of cancer. This alert was issued for Belviq and Belviq XR (extended release). The FDA also discovered a higher risk of cardiovascular issues after taking Belviq. If you took Belviq and developed cancer or a loved one passed away after being diagnosed with a Belviq cancer such as pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, and lung cancer, you may be eligible to receive financial compensation by suing the drug makers.

What is Belviq and Belviq XR?

Belviq was developed and produced by the Japanese pharmaceutical company, Eisai, based in Tokyo. Eisai also has corporate branches in New Jersey serving as the companies U.S. subsidiary. It was introduced to the market after receiving FDA approval in 2012. It is notable because not many weight loss drugs are ever approved by the FDA. Belviq or lorcaserin works by targeting chemical signals in the body that control appetite. Their hope was to have a drug that could suppress appetite by helping the consumer feel fuller after eating less food. The drug, combined with a well rounded diet and plenty of exercise, was touted as a safe weight loss drug. Sometimes Belviq and Belviq extended release were used to treat other conditions with obesity like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Does Belviq Cause Cancer?

The research being conducted and the previous FDA study indicates a link between Belviq and cancer. Belviq was first approved by the FDA in 2012 so compared to a drug such as Zantac that has been around for decades, the sample size of patients is much smaller. That said, it is becoming clearer the answer is yes there is an increased risk of cancer associated with the weight loss drug, Belviq. The initial research conducted was through the FDA. The FDA required the drug makers to conduct studies evaluating potential health risks in the drug. Through an analysis of a 5 year study conducted by the FDA, the agency stated, “the risks of lorcaserin outweigh its benefits” with the main risk being an increased risk of pancreatic, colorectal, lung, and other cancers. 

Chances of Getting Cancer after taking Belviq

The FDA’s study indicates there is a slight increased risk for various types of cancer among people who currently take or took Belviq for weight loss. The five year study included 12,000 volunteers. The results were approximately 8% of those who took Belviq received a cancer diagnosis compared to 7.1% of participants who took the placebo drug. The FDA has indicated that further conclusions and evaluations of the drug are ongoing and has not set a date to release their final conclusions to the public.

Belviq Recall Information

The FDA requested drug recalls for Belviq and Belviq XR in February 2020, following the alert released in January of 2020. Eisai, who produces Belviq and Belviq XR, has not admitted there is a direct link between taking the weight loss drug Belviq and later development of cancer. According to the FDA, if you are currently taking Belviq, you should consult your doctor about finding an alternative weight loss treatment and stop using the medication.

Belviq & Belviq XR Side Effects

As discussed, Belviq increases the risk of cancer. Other side effects include:

• Low Blood Sugar
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Toothache
• Drowsiness
• Blurred vision
• Nausea
• Back Pain
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Muscle Pain
• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• Mental Difficulties

What Cancers is Belviq Linked to?

The FDA stated numerous cancers resulted in their study of 12,000 participants who took the drug. “A range of cancers was reported, with severa different types of cancers occurring more frequently in the lorcaserin group.” These more frequent cancers linked to Belviq include:

• Pancreatic Cancer
• Colorectal Cancer
• Lung Cancer

Am I eligible for a Belviq Claim? What are the benefits of a Belviq Lawsuit?

If you took Belviq or a generic equivalent or lorcaserin and were diagnosed with cancer while taking the drug or after you stopped, you should consider taking legal action to receive financial compensation for your injuries against the drug’s manufacturer.

If you suffered cancer at the hands of the Belviq manufacturers, there are many benefits and no downsides to filing a lawsuit against Belviq. A lawsuit can allow you to recover money for some of the following damages:

• Personal Injuries for Cancer or Death
• Past and future medical bills including (hospital stays, in-home care, prescriptions)
• Pain and suffering
• Lost Wages
• Loss of earning capacity

Nationwide Belviq Lawyers

If you took Belviq and developed cancer. Contact one of our award winning Drug Attorneys at the Willis Law Firm and let us fight and earn your financial compensation for the injuries you suffered. Our team is ready and able to take on lawsuits across the country. We have successfully represented thousands of clients nationwide against big pharmaceutical companies and brought them hundreds of millions in compensation.

Find a Belviq Lawyer Near You

Please fill out the form on this page or call us toll free at 1-800-883-9858 today for a free and private case consultation to see if a Belviq Cancer Lawsuit is the right choice for you and your family. A representative of our team is always on call. Contact us today!