Belviq Cancer Risk and Lawsuits Over Recalled Diet Drug
It has been more than 18 months since federal regulators recalled Belviq due to a cancer risk associated with the diet drug. However, as new cases of Belvic cancer continue to emerge and individuals learn that previously diagnosed cancer may have resulted from side effects of Belviq, the number of lawsuits filed nationwide continues to increase.
The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. represent individuals who are pursuing a Belviq cancer lawsuit after being diagnosed with:
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Colorectal Cancer
- Lung Cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Other Cancers Caused By Belviq
Given the long latency between exposure to Belviq and cancer developing, it is widely expected that these cases will continue to emerge for several years, and there may ultimately be more than 1,000 individuals who are entitled to a Belviq settlement.
Belviq FDA Cancer Warnings Lead to February 2020 Recall
Belviq (lorcaserin) was first approved by the FDA in 2012, and it was one of the first prescription diet drugs introduced after a long string of prior treatments were recalled or linked to serious side effects.
In January 2020, the FDA first alerted the public to a potential Belviq cancer risk in a drug safety communication, which was issued after the agency received preliminary data from a clinical trial intended to evaluate the potential heart side effects associated with the diet drug. Instead, researchers reported that users were developing cancer on Belviq at rates higher than among those given a placebo.
Just a month later, another Belviq FDA cancer warning was issued on February 13, 2020, indicating that the strength of the association led the agency to request the drug maker issue a Belviq recall, pulling the weight loss pill from the market due to the unacceptable cancer risks users may face.
Unfortunately, news that Belviq was recalled due to potential cancer side effects was quickly overshadowed by the emergence of the coronavirus pandemic a few months later, and many users remain unaware that cancer diagnosed in prior years may be related to their use of Belviq during the 8 years the diet drug was on the market.
What Types of Cancer Does Belviq Cause?
The drug makers Eisai Inc. and Arena Pharmaceuticals have still not provided prior users of their recalled diet drug with information about the specific types of cancer Belviq causes. However, based on adverse event reports and information reviewed by our Belviq cancer lawyers, Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. is investigating potential claims for individuals who have been diagnosed with any type of malignant tumor cancer.
Potential claims are being reviewed for individuals who meet the following criteria:
- Received a weight loss prescription for Belviq or Belviq XR;
- Took the medication for at least one month before the FDA recalled Belviq; and
- Diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Lung Cancer, Breast Cancer or any other Cancer that may have been caused by Belviq.
Many of these cancers from Belviq may involve a long period between the last exposure to Belviq and cancer diagnosis. Therefore, it is widely expected that new cases will continue to emerge over the next several years.
Given the minimal weight loss benefits provided by Belviq, no one would have chosen to use the medication if information had been disclosed about the risk that Belviq may cause any cancer.
To find out if you or a loved one may be entitled to a Belviq cancer settlement, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.
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