The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recommended a recall of all lots of Belviq and Belviq XR from the U.S. market after a clinical study found an increase in the occurrence of cancer among users. The cancers linked to Belviq include lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and colorectal cancer. Belviq (lorcaserin) is a prescription weight loss drug originally approved by the FDA in 2012.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer after taking Belviq or Belviq XR, contact one of our lawyers today. Our dangerous drugs attorneys have been representing victims of corporate negligence for over 40 years and will deliver the Gold standard advocacy you deserve.
Case Quick Facts
The Problem
On February 13, 2020, the FDA issued a safety communication requesting the recall of the prescription weight loss drug Belviq. The recall is based on a clinical study that showed an increase in the occurrence of certain cancers among Belviq users.
The clinical study was mandated by the FDA to analyze the risk of cardiovascular problems associated with Belviq use. The study evaluated 12,000 patients over five years and found that 7.7% of patients taking Belviq were diagnosed with cancer. Only 7.1% of patients taking a placebo over the same time period were diagnosed with cancer. The occurrence of cancer among patients taking Belviq increased with a longer duration of use.
The results compelled the FDA to alert the public of the possible cancer increase associated with Belviq in January 2020, but at that time the agency did not recommend removing the drug from the market. Less than a month later, the FDA concluded that the potential risk of cancer outweighs the benefits of the drug and recommended the manufacturer recall Belviq from the U.S. market. The agency is advising all patients to stop taking Belviq and all healthcare providers to stop prescribing it.
You should immediately consult with your doctor before discontinuing any medication.
The Injuries
The five-year clinical study of Belviq found an increase in several types of cancer among users, including:
- Lung cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
The Defendant(s)
Belviq was developed by Arena Pharmaceuticals and approved for use in the U.S. market in 2012. The rights to the drug were sold to Eisai Inc. in 2017, Eisai continued to manufacture the drug for U.S. consumption until the FDA-recommended recall in February 2020.
We Can Help
Goldenberg Lauricella, PLLC is currently investigating cases where an individual has taken Belviq and developed cancer. We have been litigating complex cancer cases for over 38 years and will fight to bring you the justice you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
A Personal Message from Senior Partner Stuart Goldenberg
In the past two years, we have seen two of the largest FDA recalls in history due to drugs contaminated with cancer-causing agents. Sadly, the news that Belviq has been recalled due to cancer risks is just another instance of a system that prioritizes profits over people. Too often, the rush to get a new drug onto the market takes precedence over a thorough evaluation of that drug’s safety and efficacy. As pharmaceutical corporations line their pockets, patients suffer. At Goldenberg Lauricella, PLLC, we have worked tirelessly for over three decades to right the wrongs of an unfair system. Let us do the heavy lifting as you focus on your treatment and recover. Leave the sleepless nights to us.
Free Consultations. If you or a loved one developed lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, or colorectal cancer after taking Belviq, contact Goldenberg Lauricella, PLLC today for a complementary consultation. We have decades of experience litigating cancer cases and believe strongly in promoting safety through accountability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have a Belviq case?
If you have taken Belviq or Belviq XR and have been diagnosed with lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, or colorectal cancer, you may have a case against the manufacturers.
Why was Belviq recalled?
Belviq was recalled after a clinical study found increased occurrences of certain cancers associated with long-term use of the drug. Cancers associated with Belviq use include lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and colorectal cancer.
Is all Belviq recalled?
Yes. The Belviq recall includes all lots of Belviq and Belviq XR sold in the U.S. market.
Should I continue taking Belviq?
No. If you are currently taking Belviq, the FDA has recommended that you stop taking the drug immediately and speak with your healthcare provider about alternative treatments.
What is the FDA doing about the Belviq recall?
On February 13, 2020, the FDA issued a statement requesting Eisai Inc. recall all lots of Belviq and Belviq XR from the U.S. market. The Belviq recall came after the FDA evaluated findings from a clinical study that showed an increased risk of instances of certain cancers among long-term users of the drug. More information on the FDA’s Belviq recall can be found here.
What compensation am I entitled to in a Belviq lawsuit?
If you have been diagnosed with cancer after using Belviq, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.