New studies have been released that show the popular weight loss drug Belviq, also known as lorcaserin, could put people at a higher risk of developing cancer. The findings of the study have led to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to call for a temporary suspension of the distribution of Belviq. At Colson Hicks Eidson, our firm has vast experience helping clients who have been harmed due to defective medications. Here, our product liability lawyers want to discuss this medication and let anyone in Florida or throughout the United States know that we are here to help.
What is Belviq?
Belviq is a prescription weight-loss medication that was approved for use by the FDA in 2012. This medication was championed at the time because it was the first prescription weight-loss drug proven to help people lose weight and keep the weight off for many years without raising any serious heart concern issues. These conclusions were made after conducting a five-year study of the medication’s safety. Belviq was first rejected by the FDA in 2010 due to heart valve damage concerns.
Belviq is a serotonin receptor agonist. This medication targets chemicals in the brain that influence peoples’ appetites, and is specifically approved for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 and for adults who need to lose weight but have other health conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, Type-2 diabetes, and other heart-related conditions.
Why was Belviq recalled by the FDA?
A recent analysis of a five-year study involving 12,000 people who took Belviq has shown that those who take the medication have an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer. The findings, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, show that 7.7% of the group that received Belviq developed cancer. The types of cancer varied, and included pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancer, amongst other types of the disease.
The FDA has recommended that anyone currently using Belviq stop taking it and to talk to their physicians to discuss other safe and effective alternatives.
According to the US National Library of Medicine, some of the most common side effects of taking this medication include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Toothache
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth
- Cough
- Constipation
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Pain in the back or muscles
We are here to help you today
If you or somebody you care about has taken the weight-loss medication Belviq (also known as lorcaserin), you may need to seek legal assistance immediately. Studies have indicated that this medication may lead to an increased risk of cancer for those who take it. At Colson Hicks Eidson, we are dedicated to helping anybody injured by a faulty medication secure the compensation they are entitled to. This can include:
- Coverage have any medical bills caused by the bad drug
- Lost wages and benefits if a victim cannot work
- Loss of enjoyment of life damages
- Mental anguish damages
- Possible punitive damages against Arena Pharmaceuticals
When you need a Belviq cancer attorney in Florida or anywhere in the United States, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or by calling us at 305-476-7400
