Belviq and Belviq XR : Cancer Concern Prompts the FDA to Warn Patients About Belviq
On January 14, 2020, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Drug Safety Communication about Belviq and Belviq XR, also called lorcaserin. The FDA expressed concern that taking Belviq, a popular weight-loss drug, could lead to a possible increased risk of developing cancer. At that time, the FDA could not pinpoint the type of cancer(s) nor confirm that lorcaserin contributed to the cancer risk. The FDA asserted its intention to continue reviewing the drug’s safety but felt compelled to notify medical professionals and patients of the possible danger of taking Belviq.
After Additional Review, the FDA Asks Manufacturer of Belviq to Recall the Drug Because of Cancer Risk
On February 13, 2020, the FDA posted an updated Drug Safety Communication intended for patients and medical professionals. In this notice, the FDA “has requested that the manufacturer of Belviq, Belviq XR (lorcaserin) voluntarily withdraw the weight-loss drug from the U.S. market because a clinical safety trial shows an increased occurrence of cancer.” The FDA stated that Esai, Inc., the drug manufacturer, applied to recall Belviq per its request.
After reviewing the final data from the clinical study, as promised in January, the FDA determined that the risks of taking Belviq outweigh the benefits. The results showed “several different types of cancers occurring more frequently in the lorcaserin group, including pancreatic, colorectal, and lung.”
FDA Tells Patients: Stop Taking Belviq and Speak to Your Doctor
The FDA recommends that patients taking Belviq or Belviq XR stop taking the drug and consult their doctors about alternative weight management or weight-loss plans. The FDA also asks that patients dispose of any unused lorcaserin. The FDA does not recommend automatic cancer screening for patients who have been taking Belviq and suggests instead that patients with concerns speak directly with their health care provider.
FDA Recommends that Doctors Stop Prescribing Belviq to Their Patients
The FDA requests that medical professionals stop prescribing and dispensing Belviq. The FDA recommends that doctors contact their patients who take Belviq to explain the results of the clinical trial- that it showed an increased risk of cancer. Doctors should request that patients stop taking the drug. The FDA also asks that doctors “discuss alternative weight-loss medicines or strategies” with their patients.
Our Lawyers are Investigating Claims for People With Cancer Who Took Belviq and Belviq XR, Containing Lorcaserin
Drug manufacturers have a duty to inform the public and medical professionals about the risks associated with their products. Failing to do so can be negligent. Drug manufacturers also have an obligation to ensure their medications are as safe as possible.
When drug manufacturers do not warn of risks or put defective drugs into the marketplace, and patients are injured, lawsuits often follow. Our lawyers at Alonso Krangle, LLP are currently reviewing Belviq claims.
If you took Belviq and developed cancer, call our lawyers today at 800-403-6191 to find out if you have a claim for damages.
Sources:
- https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/safety-clinical-trial-shows-possible-increased-risk-cancer-weight-loss-medicine-belviq-belviq-xr
- https://www.fda.gov/safety/medical-product-safety-information/belviq-belviq-xr-lorcaserin-eisai-drug-safety-communication-fda-requests-withdrawal-weight-loss-drug