Belviq and Belviq XR are popular weight loss drugs. They have been in circulation for years but a recent study by the FDA resulted in their recommendation to remove the drugs from circulation.
A disturbing correlation between the use of Belviq and Belviq HR and certain types of cancer has been found.
Medications of this sort are to complete a series of tests for outcomes such as this. The failure to fully investigate the potentially harmful side effects of using their product has left the manufacturer susceptible to legal action.
Have you or someone you know developed cancer after using Belviq or Belviq XR? If so, contact Bart Durham Injury Law immediately.
But what is Belviq and Belviq XR? And what does the recall mean to those who have taken the drug?
What Is Belviq and Belviq XR?
Belviq is a weight loss drug made by Japanese manufacturer Eisai Inc. The active ingredient is "lorcaserin," which was approved by the FDA for use in 2012.
Lorcaserin acts upon the nervous system and the hypothalamus to suppress a person’s appetite.
The recommended dose was 10mg twice per day. Going beyond the recommended dosage caused the drug to adhere to similar receptors of other weight loss drugs that resulted in heart problems.
The FDA required Eisai Inc. to conduct further studies of the drug after it was approved. A clinical trial to assess the risk of cardiovascular side effects was initiated. The results of this study are what led to the recent recall of Belviq.
Why Was Belviq Recalled?
The FDA requested the voluntary withdrawal of Belviq on 2/13/2020, and Eisai Inc. complied with their request. According to a release from Eisai Inc:
At the time of marketing approval from BELVIQ, the FDA required Eisai to perform a long-term trial evaluating the cardiovascular effects associated with the use of the drug. The CAMELLIA-TIMI 61 trial for lorcaserin was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to study approximately 12,000 men and women over five years with established cardiovascular disease or at high risk for cardiovascular disease.Following its review of the data, FDA concluded that the potential risks of lorcaserin outweigh its benefits. More specifically FDA noted there was a numerical imbalance in the number of patients with malignancies. FDA’s analysis of the study found that during the course of the trial, 462 (7.7 percent) patients treated with lorcaserin were diagnosed with cancers compared to the placebo group, in which 423 (7.1 percent) patients were diagnosed with cancers.
This potential for cancer-causing agents within Belviq spurred the recall of the drug. Pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancer were all associated with Belviq and Belviq XR.
What Are the Lawsuits?
Bart Durham Injury Law has fought for the rights of mistreated consumers for years. Instances such as this can lead to drastically negative outcomes, and those who have suffered deserve to be compensated.
A drug that is rushed to market before it is fully investigated for potentially harmful side effects is a danger to society. This negligent behavior has the potential to severely harm or even kill users of the drug.
Those who have experienced similar harmful effects can group together to file a lawsuit and potentially receive reimbursement for:
- Medical Costs
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
- Wrongful Death
These are only a few of the outcomes that could affect possible settlements from a lawsuit. And the only way you are going to be able to set yourself up to receive your deserved compensation is to contact Bart Durham Injury Law. Only an experienced personal injury lawyer will know how to navigate this lawsuit and fight for you in court.
What Should You Do If You Currently Take Belviq or Belviq XR?
The very first step is to take care of your health. Visit a doctor to discuss your situation and stop taking lorcaserin as soon as possible. Ask your doctor to recommend another weight loss drug in its place if you want to continue taking medication.
Dispose of your current stock of pills safely. Visit a drug take back location, or mix the pills with something like dirt or cat litter, seal them in a bag, and throw them in the trash.
And once you’ve spoken to your doctor and taken care of your medical needs, contact Bart Durham Injury Law as soon as possible. Pharmaceutical manufacturers are responsible for the harmful side effects of their products. You deserve restitution for any pain this medication has caused you.
