Belviq Cancer Cases
Weight-Loss Drug Linked to Cancer of the Lung, Pancreas & More
Belviq (generic name lorcaserin) is a prescription weight-loss drug that reduces the appetite using the hypothalamus. The drug was developed by Arena Pharmaceuticals and later sold to Eisai Inc.; it was designed for patients with a BMI of 27 or higher to address obesity, diabetes, cholesterol, or blood pressure. The drug was approved by the FDA in 2012, under the condition that Eisai conduct a 5-year clinical trial to test the drug’s safety. The company complied and conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled study on 12,000 patients.
The results of the study were delivered to the FDA in January 2020. Now, the FDA has analyzed the results of the safety trial and found that the group taking lorcaserin had a higher occurrence of cancer, including pancreatic, colorectal, and lung. In February 2020, the FDA urged patients to stop taking Belviq and return any unused Belviq to drug take back programs, and urged doctors to stop prescribing Belviq. Eisai has also voluntarily withdrawn the drug from the market.
Belviq Rejected in 2010
Prior to its approval by the FDA, Belviq was rejected in 2010 for concerns regarding a link between the weight-loss drug and cancer. Consumer advocates were the first to warn the public about the potential cancer link. In initial tests on rodents, results suggested that Belviq led to a higher risk of breast and brain cancer. Despite these troubling results, Arena Pharmaceuticals insisted that the tumors would not affect humans.
While the FDA is only now investigating a link between Belviq and cancer in human patients, they have said the risk of cancer outweighs the benefits of taking the drug.
Filing a Lawsuit for Cancer from Taking Belviq
Eisai, as the owner and manufacturer of Belviq, is responsible for any side effects caused by their drug. They had a duty to the public to ensure their drug was safe before bringing it to market; their failure has resulted in exposing thousands of people to an elevated risk of cancer. If you developed cancer after taking Belviq or lorcaserin, speak with Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC as soon as possible.
- You may be able to claim damages for:
- The cost of medical treatment
- Lost wages or diminished future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent injury or disability
- Wrongful death
- Punitive damages
Our team of defective drug attorneys have won tens of millions of dollars for our clients, helping them get back on their feet and pay for medical care. We’re currently investigating claims that our clients developed cancer as a result of taking Belviq. If you believe your weight-loss medicine might have given you cancer, speak with us in a free case consultation to learn your options.
We cover the cost of litigation, so our clients never pay a fee unless we win their case. Call (888) 498-3023 or use our short online form to get answers about your case.
