What is BELVIQ?
IntroductionBelviq, also known as lorcaserin, is a weight-loss medication that was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June 2012 for use in patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater , or in patients with a BMI of 27 or greater who have at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. It works by controlling appetite and creating a feeling of fullness.
Belviq RecallBelviq was voluntarily recalled by the manufacturer, Eisai Inc., in February 2020 at the request of the FDA. The recall was due to the results of a safety clinical trial that showed an increased occurrence of cancer in patients who took Belviq compared to those who took a placebo. As a result, the FDA recommended that health care professionals no longer prescribe Belviq, and patients who were taking it should stop taking it and talk to their health care professionals about alternative weight-loss options.
Belviq LitigationAfter the recall, numerous lawsuits were filed against Eisai Inc. by patients who took Belviq and developed cancer. Many of these lawsuits have been consolidated into a mass tort litigation in federal court in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The litigation is ongoing, and individuals who believe they were harmed by Belviq may be eligible to join the lawsuit.
Belviq Approval and UseBelviq was approved by the FDA after two clinical trials that involved over 8,000 overweight or obese patients. The trials showed that patients who took Belviq in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity lost more weight than those who took a placebo. The recommended dose of Belviq is 10mg twice daily. However, due to the potential cancer risk associated with Belviq, it is no longer recommended for use.
ConclusionBelviq was a weight-loss medication that was approved by the FDA in 2012 but was recalled by the manufacturer in 2020 due to an increased occurrence of cancer in patients who took it. Although it was effective in helping patients lose weight, it is no longer recommended for use. Individuals who took Belviq and developed cancer may be eligible to join the ongoing mass tort litigation against the manufacturer, Eisai Inc.
Frequently Asked Questions about belviq
Belviq hit the market in 2012 offering weight-loss hope to people who struggled with obesity. It was also sometimes used to treat overweight people who also had a serious medical condition, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes. It was the first weight-loss drug approved by the FDA in 13 years.
Belviq (lorcaserin hydrochloride) is a serotonin 2C receptor agonist indicated for the treatment of chronic weight management in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater (obese) as an addition to a reduced-calorie diet and exercise.
Eisai Co., Ltd. is the corporation that oversaw Belviq manufacturing. This pharmaceutical company is based in Tokyo, Japan, and has locations all over the world. Its subsidiary Eisai Inc., on the other hand, is based in the United States, with its medical research headquarters in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.
The FDA later discontinued the drug's approval. In late 2020, the FDA reversed its approvals of both Belviq and Belviq XR. Eisai voluntarily withdrew Belviq from the market without requesting a hearing, and lorcaserin is no longer sold or marketed in the U.S. as a weight loss drug or supplement.
Common Belviq (lorcaserin) side effects include constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, headache and nausea. They are minor and temporary. Serious side effects of Belviq include bleeding or bruising easily, mental or mood changes and thoughts of suicide.
Lorcaserin belongs to a class of drugs known as serotonin receptor agonists. It is thought to work by affecting a certain part of the brain that helps control your appetite.
Belviq's Cancer Study Finding
In particular, the FDA believes that Belviq may increase the risk of lung, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers. In response to this study, the FDA requested Belviq to voluntarily recall its drug from the market while conducting further research.
After reviewing Agency records and based on the information we have at this time, FDA has determined under ยง 314.161 that BELVIQ (lorcaserin hydrochloride) tablets, 10 mg, and BELVIQ XR (lorcaserin hydrochloride) extended-release tablets, 20 mg, were withdrawn for reasons of safety or effectiveness.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested the company pull Belviq after a five-year clinical study discovered an increased risk of cancer among its patients.
They were looking at clinical trial data about the drug. Based on the preliminary analysis, the FDA found a possible cancer risk associated with the drug. Because of the potential link, the FDA asked Belviq's manufacturer (Eisai, Inc.) to withdraw the drug from the U.S. market.
BELVIQ was approved by the FDA in 2012 as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adult patients with an initial body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater (obese) or 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related co-morbid ...
Lorcaserin, marketed under the brand name Belviq, was a weight-loss drug developed by Arena Pharmaceuticals. It reduces appetite by activating a type of serotonin receptor known as the 5-HT2C receptor in a region of the brain called the hypothalamus, which is known to control appetite.
