The Problem: There is a studied correlation between use of the weight-loss drug Belviq, or lorcaserin, and the development of certain types of cancer. After many years of study, the results of research “convinced the FDA that the drug posed an increased cancer risk”, who proceeded to suggest that the drug stop being sold. ​

The Response: Belviq was taken off the market in early 2020 due the FDA’s recommendation to its manufacturers. Since then, cases have been widely accepted from patients who have taken Belviq within seven years of being diagnosed with cancer.

What Can We Do to Help: Our experienced attorneys can review your medical records and advise you if filing a case is in your best interest.

The attorneys at Gallon, Takacs, & Boissoneault are investigating allegations against Eisai Inc. and Arena pharmaceuticals, the distributor and manufacturer of the drug Belviq. Also known as Lorcaserin, Belviq was FDA approved and sold as a prescription treatment for obesity and for those with weight-related health issues, including diabetes and high blood pressure. It has been alleged that people taking Belviq developed cancer after taking the drug. Both Belviq and its extended-release form, Belviq XR, are the subject of lawsuits.If you or someone you know has taken the prescription drug Belviq and developed cancer, contact us today. Find out if you can seek compensation for your injuries by completing our free case evaluation.

It has been alleged that the use of Belviq, a prescription drug for the treatment of obesity, has been linked to cancer.

Due to its potential links to cancer suggested by a five-year study of patients who had used Belviq, the FDA suggested that Eisai Inc. withdraw the drug from the market in early 2020. Though the study was originally conducted in order to study the drug’s cardiovascular effects, the link to cancer became the more alarming outcome. According to the release from the FDA, the action was taken because they “believe that the risks of Lorcaserin outweigh its benefits based on our completed review of results from a randomized clinical trial assessing safety”. Despite claiming that the results of an independent study were different, Eisai Inc. complied with the FDA’s suggestion.

Of the 12,000 participants in the study, a portion took Belviq while the rest took an inoperative placebo pill. 7.7% of the Belviq users developed cancer, compared to 7.1% of those taking the placebo.  Three types of cancer were prevalent and are therefore the types named in the lawsuit:

• Pancreatic cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Lung cancer

The lawsuits against the manufacturer and distributor of Belviq are still in the early stages, and cases are still being collected. If you have developed any of the above types of cancer within seven years of taking Belviq for a total of six months, you may be entitled to compensation from these companies. The cancer must have originated in any of the above organs, a cancer that originated somewhere else and spread to them would not qualify. Additionally, the six months of Belviq use do not have to be consecutive.

If you believe you are eligible upon reviewing your records and history of Belviq use, please contact our firm at 1-800-Gallon1 (1-800-425-5661) or fill out a free case evaluation form. We want to help you get the compensation you deserve.