Belviq Cancer

If you or a loved one took the weight-loss drug Belviq or Belviq XR, you may be at increased risk for cancer including pancreatic, colorectal and lung cancer.

What is Belviq?


weight loss drug belviq linked to increased cancer riskBelviq (also known as lorcaserin) is a prescription weight loss medication made by Eisai Inc., a Japanese drug company. The medication was approved by the FDA in 2012 to assist with weight loss in obese patients and those suffering from weight-related medical problems. Belviq works by increasing feelings of fullness so that users eat less. It was available as both a tablet (Belviq) and an extended-release tablet (Belviq XR).

Why was there a Belviq recall?


Eisai Inc. agreed to voluntarily withdraw its weight-loss drug Belviq after study results showed a slightly increased risk of cancer. The FDA alerted the public to a potential problem with the medication in January 2020 and followed by announcing the voluntary withdrawal on February 20, 2020. The withdrawal of Belviq was made at the FDA’s request based on results of a 5-year study which examined 12,000 patients and showed that patients taking Belviq were diagnosed with cancer at higher rates than those taking placebo. Reports of pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancer were particularly elevated in Belviq users.

What should you do if you took Belviq?


The FDA has recommended that patients stop taking Belviq and talk to their doctors about other weight-loss medications or methods. The FDA is not recommending that patients get additional screening at this time.

People who took Belviq or Belviq XR and have been diagnosed with pancreatic, colorectal, or lung cancer should consider discussing a possible case with a Belviq lawyer. The Lopez McHugh injury lawyers can evaluate your potential case and help you understand your rights. Please note that over time, certain claims become time-barred by applicable statutes of limitations and other deadlines, so please do not wait to contact us.