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Belviq

Belviq Cancer Attorneys

Belviq (lorcaserin) is a diet medication manufactured by Eisai Inc. that was approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in 2012. Belviq was approved for weight management in adults considered obese and overweight. In 2016, Belviq XR (extended release) was approved by the FDA. The FDA, on February 13, 2020, issued a recall for Belviq and Belviq XR after clinical trials demonstrated a link between the drug and increased occurrence of cancer, including pancreatic, lung, and colorectal cancer. The prescription drug and medication lawyers of Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz are currently investigating cases involving Belviq and cancer.

What Is Belviq and Why Is It Prescribed?

Belviq is a popular weight-loss drug prescribed by doctors. It is sometimes prescribed to treat obesity related to diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure. When prescribed, doctors also instruct patients to monitor their diet and exercise. Belviq is designed to affect chemical signals in the patient’s brain which control their appetite. By altering the chemical signals and receptors, Belviq is intended to help patients feel “full” despite eating smaller meals and portion sizes.

Belviq Recalled by FDA

When approving Belviq in 2012, the FDA asked the manufacturer to conduct a clinical trial to evaluate the risk of heart-related problems. The trial, conducted among 12,000 participants over 5 years, ended up revealing that more patients taking Belviq were diagnosed with cancer compared to participants taking a placebo. In January 2020, the FDA announced it was reviewing the clinical trial data and alerted the public of a possible risk of cancer. In turn, healthcare professionals were instructed to carefully consider the potential risks and side effects of Belviq when prescribing the medication.

In February 2020, the FDA formally requested that Eisai Inc., the manufacturer of Belviq and Belviq XR, voluntarily remove the weight-loss drug from the U.S. market based on the clinical trial results. Further, based on Belviq’s link to cancer as revealed by the clinic trials, healthcare professionals were warned to stop prescribing and dispensing Belviq and lorcaserin to patients altogether.

The FDA currently recommends that all patients stop taking Belviq immediately. Patients prescribed the drug should discuss alternative treatment, strategies, or medication for weight loss.

Belviq Lawsuits

If you have been prescribed Belviq, you should consult with a doctor immediately. Patients who took Belviq and developed cancer may be eligible to file a Belviq lawsuit. If you developed pancreatic, lung, colorectal, or another form of cancer after taking Belviq, a lawyer can explain and protect your rights. You may also contact our law firm on behalf of a loved one.

In a pharmaceutical drug lawsuit, the injured patient (or their estate, if deceased) can recover compensation for past and future damages. A Belviq lawyer can help you and your loved ones recover compensation from the drug manufacturer, which may include:

  • Medical bills for your treatment
  • Loss of income or earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering, including physical and emotional
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Punitive damages
  • Wrongful death

You should consult with an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your rights and ensure they remain protected. Each state has a specific statute of limitation within which a lawsuit must be properly filed in court. Certain pharmaceutical drug and product liability cases can become class action lawsuits, and your lawyer can make sure everything is properly filed in the appropriate court and jurisdiction. Further, a lawyer experienced in pharmaceutical and prescription drug litigation will need to take steps to preserve evidence and help develop your case, including consulting with expert witnesses who are qualified to prove the link between Belviq and your cancer diagnosis.

Speak with a Belviq Lawyer Today to Discuss Your Case

The prescription drug and medical device lawyers of Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz are currently evaluating cases involving Belviq users who developed cancer, including colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and lung cancer. If you were prescribed Belviq and later diagnosed with cancer, call NST Law at 800-529-4004 or complete our online form for a free, confidential, and no-obligation consultation with a lawyer today. Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz has offices throughout the Southeast including Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Missouri. Let us show you why NST is the way to go.

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