Belviq is a drug prescribed for patients struggling with weight loss but has been shown to cause significant harm in patients.
Belviq, also known by its generic name, Lorcaserin, is a weight-loss drug manufactured by Eisai Inc. that is available by prescription. The purpose of the drug is to curb the appetite of people suffering from obesity or other weight-related health issues. After a safety trial, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determined that taking the drug can increase a patient’s risk of many different forms of cancer. As a result, the FDA recalled Belviq in February 2020.
Unfortunately, the recall cannot help those who have already been harmed. If you or someone you love has developed cancer or other injuries due to the drug, contact a Boca Raton product liability lawyer for help with your case.
Does Belviq Cause Cancer?
Weight loss drugs always have the potential to cause serious harm, and that holds true for Belviq, as well. After a five-year, double-blind study that involved 12,000 participants, the FDA found that people who took Belviq were at greater risk of developing cancer than participants that took sugar pills, or a placebo. Pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, and lung cancer were some of the most common cancers associated with taking Belviq.
The increased risk of developing cancer after using Belviq is small. After five years, the study showed that 7.7% of participants developed cancer, compared to 7.1% of participants who took the placebo. While a person’s exact risk for developing cancer after taking the drug is not known, anyone who has suffered harm after taking Belviq should speak to a product liability lawyer as soon as possible. The drug has been deemed unsafe for consumer use.
Should You Stop Taking Belviq?
The FDA has recommended that anyone currently using Belviq stop taking the drug and discard their remaining supply. However, no one should stop the course of treatment without first speaking to their doctor. A doctor may advise that a patient slowly tapers the current dose, or that they stop taking the drug immediately, based on the person’s overall health and medical history.
Regardless of what a doctor advises, anyone that has developed cancer after taking Belviq, or that has lost a loved one due to this complication, should speak to a product liability lawyer right away. Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring their products are safe to use and Eisai, the creator of the drug, has failed to meet their duty of care. By holding the manufacturer liable, injured patients can recover their past and future medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and funeral expenses, in the event of death.
Our Florida Product Liability Lawyers Can Advise on Your Case
If you or someone you love has been hurt by Belviq, our Boca Raton product liability lawyers at Ged Lawyers, LLP, can provide the sound legal advice you need. After reviewing your case, our skilled attorneys will determine if you have a case and if so, will help you recover the full compensation you deserve. Call us today at (561) 995-1966 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
