Has Belviq Been Discontinued?

Yes. Belviq’s manufacturer has discontinued sales of the weight-loss drug. After a five-year trial showed an increased cancer risk, the FDA concluded the risks outweighed the benefits.

Did you or someone you love develop cancer after taking Belviq? You might be entitled to substantial compensation. John Foy & Associates can let you know if you have a case. We have been representing people like you for over 20 years, and we can help.

Our lawyers do not charge a fee unless we win your case. Working with us is risk-free for you.

How and Why Belviq Was Discontinued

Belviq is no longer available because a clinical trial found a possible increased cancer risk. After the trial results came out, the FDA decided it was safer to remove the drug from the market. The FDA asked the manufacturer to withdraw Belviq.

The manufacturer withdrew Belviq from the market and discontinued all sales. Although a press release shows the manufacturer did not agree with the FDA’s findings, it decided to remove it. Patients and doctors received instructions to stop taking and prescribing Belviq.

Since the FDA reported the possible cancer risk, patients have reached out about Belviq lawsuits. If you developed cancer after taking Belviq, you might have a case for substantial compensation. You should not have to pay for side effects you could not control or prevent.

What to Know About the Clinical Trial Results

Belviq and Belviq XR, also known as lorcaserin, are weight-loss drugs manufactured by Eisai, Inc. Belviq XR is the extended-release version.

Doctors prescribed Belviq for obese patients and overweight patients with weight-related conditions. Patients took the drug along with other weight-loss measures like diet and exercise. The drug worked by increasing feelings of fullness to help the user eat less.

Here are details and a timeline on the discontinuation of Belviq:

• The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Belviq for the U.S. market in 2012.
• Belviq became available on the market in June 2013.
• Along with the approval, the FDA required Eisai, Inc. to conduct a clinical trial. The trial looked at any heart-related risks with taking the drug. There were about 12,000 participants in the clinical trial, which happened over five years.
• In January 2020, the FDA announced trial results showed a possible increased risk of cancer.
• In February 2020, the FDA asked for a voluntary withdrawal of the weight loss drug from the U.S. market.
• Eisai, Inc. announced that it was withdrawing Belviq and discontinuing sales.

With the discontinuation of Belviq, the FDA advised patients to stop taking the drug. Patients should dispose of the medication and talk to their healthcare provider about alternatives.

The FDA advised healthcare professionals to stop prescribing Belviq to patients. Doctors should also let patients know about the increased cancer risk from the trial and ask them to stop taking it.

The FDA did not recommend special screening for those who had taken Belviq. However, they should keep up with standard cancer screening recommendations.

Cancers Linked to Belviq Use

The clinical trial showed that 7.7% of participants on Belviq received a cancer diagnosis. Compared to that, 7.1% of participants taking the placebo received a cancer diagnosis. The difference was significant enough that the risks were higher than the benefits.

The trial reported various types of cancers. However, the following were the most common:

• Lung cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Colorectal cancer

The above cancers showed up most frequently in participants taking Belviq.

Your Legal Options if You Took Belviq/Belviq XR

After the FDA announced their findings, Belviq users started reaching out to attorneys. Those who qualify may be entitled to compensation.

If you developed cancer of any kind after taking Belviq, it’s best to contact a trusted lawyer immediately. If a loved one died from cancer after taking the drug, you might also have a case. You may be entitled to recovery for damages including:

• Medical bills
• Treatment costs
• Prescription medications
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Wrongful death
• Punitive damages

Speak with an experienced Belviq lawyer as soon as you can. Product liability cases take time to build, especially if the details are still developing. You may limited time to file a claim for compensation.

At John Foy & Associates, we are here for you. With over 20 years of experience, we know what it takes to win cases. We’ll answer your questions and let you know if you have a Belviq case.

Our process is risk-free to you. We know you’re already dealing with enough. We’ll give you a FREE consultation, and there is no charge unless we win your case. To get started for FREE, contact us online today.

Don’t Wait to File Your Claim

Product liability cases usually have a two-year statute of limitations. That time goes quickly, so don’t miss your chance for compensation.

If the Belviq details impacted you, contact a trusted lawyer to start building your case. If you lost a loved one to cancer after they took Belviq, you might also qualify. Your lawyer can determine your options and make sure you take action as soon as possible.

Get Help from a Belviq Lawyer, Starting with a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one developed cancer after taking Belviq or Belviq XR, don’t wait. You might be entitled to compensation for your losses. You should not have to bear the burden of side effects that were not your fault.

At John Foy & Associates, we have been helping injury victims for over 20 years. Our Belviq lawyers are ready to help you with your case. Even if you don’t know if you qualify, contact us. We can discuss the details for FREE.

To schedule your FREE, no-risk case evaluation today, reach out online. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call.