Belviq Linked to Cancer

What is Belviq/Belviq XR (lorcaserin)?
Lorcaserin is a prescription weight loss pill prescribed for obese patients.  Approved by the FDA on June 27, 2012, the medication is not available in a generic or over-the-counter version.

 
Increased Cancer Risk: 
​In 2012, the FDA required Eisai, Inc., the manufacturer of Belviq to perform a clinical trial to evaluate cardiovascular risk of the medication.  The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial followed 12,000 people over a 5-year period.

The FDA's review of safety data from the trial found that more patients taking the medication (462; 7.7%) were diagnosed with cancer compared to those taking a placebo.  During the trial, one additional cancer per 470 patients treated with the medication for one year was observed.

Several different types of cancers occurred more frequently among patients treated with Belviq, including pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancer.
 
FDA Timeline:
January 14, 2020: The FDA issues a Drug Safety Communication:
"The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is alerting the public that results from a clinical trial assessing safety show a possible increased risk of cancer with weight management medicine Belviq, Belviq XR (lorcaserin).  At this time, the cause of the cancer is uncertain, and we cannot conclude that lorcaserin contributes to the cancer risk.  We are continuing to evaluate the clinical trial results and will communicate our final conclusions and recommendations when we have completed our review."
February 13, 2020: Easai, Inc. announces it will voluntarily withdraw Belviq and Belviq XR from the U.S. market and discontinue sales.
This follows a request from the U. S. Food and Drug Administration based on an FDA request for the company to voluntarily withdraw the medication, based on the date analysis of the safety clinical trial, which indicated an increased occurrence of cancer.

Criteria:

• ​Must have taken Belviq/Belviq XR for at least 3 months

• Must have been diagnosed with colorectal, lung, or pancreatic cancer at least 6 months after the first use
• Must be under the age of 75 at the time of diagnosis

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More information:
 If you would like more information about Belviq/Belviq XR Mass Tort Litigation, please  call our office at 601-296-1082 to discuss your case.