Belviq Cancer Lawsuit

In the early months of 2020, the popular weight-loss supplement Belviq was linked to a number of dangerous side effects—including an increased risk of cancer. While the medication has since been recalled, it doesn’t change the fact that a number of patients could be wrongfully suffering after a Belviq-related cancer diagnosis. If you believe you are one of those patients, you may be able to file a Belviq cancer lawsuit to seek compensation for your losses.

Belviq: Weight Management Treatment

Used as a weight management treatment, Belviq and Belviq XR were prescribed along with diet and exercise to treat obesity. In regard to the two separate forms, Belviq is a 10 mg tablet prescribed to be taken twice daily, while Belviq XR is an extended-release form that’s prescribed once per day. The medication, also known as lorcaserin, affects the chemical signals in the brain that control appetite. It works by helping patients feel full with smaller meals.

According to the manufacturer of Belviq, Eisai Inc., common side effects of taking the drug include headache, dry mouth, fatigue, cough, nausea, dizziness, back pain, and low blood sugar in people with diabetes.

Unfortunately, that is not where the medical problems stop for some patients prescribed Belviq. Now, there is a link between the medication and different types of cancer.

The Connection Between Belviq and Cancer

In January 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it was reviewing clinical trial data regarding Belviq and alerted the public to a potential risk of cancer associated with lorcaserin based on preliminary analysis of the data.

In 2012, the FDA approved lorcaserin with the condition that the drug manufacturer conduct a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to evaluate the risk of cardiovascular problems. The trial involved 12,000 patients over the course of five years.

As a result of that trial, it was discovered that more patients taking Belviq were diagnosed with cancer compared to those who received the placebo. Data from the trial showed that approximately 7.7% of people taking the medication developed cancer, compared to 7.1% taking the placebo.

The study also showed a range of cancers in Belviq patients—the most common including pancreatic, colorectal, and lung. The treatment plans and prognoses are different for every patient diagnosed with cancer. Regardless, treatment is expensive and can cause financial trouble for any family.

The FDA Recall of Belviq

In response to the connection between Belviq and cancer, the FDA requested that the manufacturer of the drug voluntarily withdraw Belviq and Belviq XR from the U.S. market. The request occurred on February 13, 2020. Eisai Inc. followed through the request to voluntarily recall the drug but denied the potential cancer risk.

The FDA recommends that patients taking lorcaserin stop doing so and speak with their health care providers about alternative weight-loss medicines and weight management programs; however, special screenings for patients who have taken Belviq are not being recommended at this time.

It’s best to dispose of any unused medication at a drug take-back location, which many pharmacies and doctor’s offices have, but the medication can be disposed of in household trash if necessary.

To properly dispose of Belviq at home, the FDA recommends mixing the pills with an unappealing substance like dirt or used coffee grounds, placing the mixture in a container like a sealed plastic bag, throwing the container away, and removing all personal information from empty bottles or packing prior to disposing of or recycling them.

How to Know If You Have a Belviq Case

If this is the first time you’ve heard about the Belviq cancer lawsuits and you’ve taken the medication, you may be concerned about your health and future. Prior to anything else, you’ll want to consult with your physician and determine your cancer risk. If you’ve already been diagnosed with cancer and took Belviq in the past, a dangerous medication attorney can review your situation.

If you have a valid claim, there are a number of damages you can seek compensation for—both economic and noneconomic. Cancer takes its toll on many aspects of a person’s life, financially and otherwise. That’s why you may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses, lost wages or loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering—both physical and mental, loss of enjoyment of life, and more.

It’s important to note that personal injury lawsuits must be filed in accordance with your state’s statute of limitations. While this differs for every state, it’s likely you will only have a few years after your diagnosis to pursue legal action. The sooner you get in touch with an attorney, the better your chances are of recovering as fully as possible.

File a Belviq Cancer Lawsuit With Thomas Law Offices

If you have been diagnosed with cancer after taking Belviq, Thomas Law Offices can help you determine if you have a valid personal injury claim. We understand how overwhelming pursuing a legal matter can be when you’re in the midst of cancer treatments, which is why we’re here to offer our support and legal guidance.

While you focus on your health, wellbeing, and family, we’ll work on building a strong product liability case that proves you were wrongfully harmed by the manufacturer of Belviq and deserve compensation for your suffering.

It’s important to note that pursuing a cancer lawsuit, especially one against a company, takes time. You could be looking at months or even years of time spent pursuing compensation. To ensure you maximize your chances of receiving the recovery you deserve and need to get your life back in order, get in touch with our office as soon as possible after your cancer diagnosis.

When you contact us, we’ll schedule a free consultation to review your situation. If we believe you have a valid claim, we’ll start collecting evidence and building your case. Not only will filing a lawsuit help you monetarily recover from what you’ve been through, but you’ll also be sending a clear message to the manufacturer. Contact Thomas Law Offices to start securing your financial future today.