Lawsuits in Gear Over Weight-Loss Drug Belviq

If you or a loved one has been taking the weight-loss drug Belviq or Belviq XR, you may already know that the U.S. Food & Drug Administration has requested it be taken off the market due to an increased cancer risk. The FDA is recommending that patients immediately stop taking Belviq and call their doctors to discuss alternative medication and whether any further testing is necessary.

Belviq, manufactured by Eisai Inc. of Japan, is the brand name of lorcaserin, one of the first weight-loss drugs approved by the FDA since the demise of the notorious drug fen-phen back in 1997. The FDA approved Belviq in 2012 on the condition that Eisai complete a safety clinical trial and report its findings. The FDA recall comes after the company’s five-year study of 12,000 patients found that those taking lorcaserin had a higher incidence of cancer that those who did not. Belviq specifically has been linked to an enhanced risk of pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer and lung cancer in non-smokers. The FDA has also noted dangerous increases in the risk of heart attack, stroke and other health problems.

Those who have been negatively affected by the use of Belviq are lining up to bring legal claims against the manufacturer, Eisai, to recover for medical bills, lost wages and other related costs. Other health effects, such as pain and suffering and a diminished quality of life, may also be compensable. It is important to speak to a doctor who can check on what effects Belviq may have had on your health. Next, it is imperative to speak to an experienced products liability attorney who can determine if you have a valid claim for legal damages.

At Kaufman & McPherson, PLLC we have over 30 years of experience successfully helping West Virginians win the financial compensation they need to manage and overcome injuries and illnesses caused by others. We offer a free consultation to anyone who has taken and suffered the effects of Belviq. You can reach our Bridgeport office at 304-842-4300 or you can contact us online for prompt assistance.