According to at least one safety trial, the weight loss medication Belviq may be linked with an increased risk of developing cancer, among other side effects.

What Is Belviq?

Belviq, produced by Eisai Inc., is the brand name for the drug lorcaserin. Belviq is used to treat obesity, and may help patients lose weight when taken in conjunction with diet and exercise. Although Belviq may be prescribed to treat obesity that is linked to another condition, such as heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure, it can only help patients lose weight and does not treat these underlying conditions. Belviq is generally not covered by health insurance, and may cost patients around $300 each month.

Although Belviq has been taken by thousands of patients hoping to lose weight, at least one study has indicated that the medication may not be safe.

Is Belviq Safe?

In February 2020, the U.S. FDA requested that Eisai Inc. pull Belviq from the market voluntarily. The announcement by the FDA was made after a safety clinical trial indicated that use of the drug may be connected with an increased risk of developing cancer. According to the FDA, the benefits of Belviq are outweighed by the potential health hazards the drug may cause.

Patients who were prescribed Belviq at the time of the requested recall were recommended to cease taking the medication and speak to their doctor about alternative drugs. Patients who had a supply of the drug in their possession were recommended to take these pills to a drug take back location, or mix them with dirt, coffee grounds, or cat litter before throwing them in the trash.

The safety trial that led to the Belviq cancer risk announcement studied 12,000 patients over the course of five years. According to the results of the study, patients who took Belviq were diagnosed with cancer at a rate 7% higher than patients who had been given a placebo medication.

Eisai Inc. responded to the FDA’s request shortly after the announcement was posted, with a statement reading, “Patient safety is Eisai’s priority and we will continue to work closely with the FDA to evaluate the clinical trial results. We recommend patients speak directly with their health care professional in order to make the best decision about their medical treatment. As indicated in the FDA’s communication, at this time, the FDA and Eisai cannot conclude that BELVIQ increases the risk of cancer.”

What Kind of Cancer Does Belviq Cause?

Although it has not been definitively proven that Belviq causes cancer, many patients in the clinical trial who were prescribed the medication rather than the placebo developed cancer. The cancers potentially related to Belviq include pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancers.

Were You Exposed to Belviq Cancer Risk?

If you have ever taken Belviq to aid in weight loss, you may be at risk of an increased risk of developing pancreatic, colorectal, or lung cancer. It is unclear whether the length of time the medication was prescribed has an effect on the likelihood of a cancer diagnosis.

Pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancer may all be dangerous or even fatal. Symptoms of pancreatic cancer may include abdominal pain, weight loss, jaundice, stool changes, itchy skin, blood clots, or fatigue. Symptoms of colorectal cancer may include a change in bowel habits, such as increased constipation or diarrhea, rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, fatigue, or weight loss. Common lung cancer symptoms include a persistent cough, chest pain, hoarseness, shortness of breath or wheezing, and persistent infections including pneumonia or bronchitis.

Have Any Belviq Cancer Lawsuits Been Filed?

At least one woman has filed a lawsuit against Eisai Inc. due to the possibility of a Belviq cancer risk. According to plaintiff Barbara Z., Eisai Inc. may have known about the potential dangers associated with Belviq and continued to market it to doctors and patients as an effective weight loss treatment. Although her lawsuit does not indicate whether she herself was diagnosed with cancer after taking the drug, Barbara is suing on behalf of anyone who has been harmed by Belviq and is seeking to have the case certified as a class action lawsuit.

If you have developed cancer after taking Belviq, you may be able to speak with an experienced attorney about your case and determine what legal avenues are available to you. Some victims of Belviq side effects may be eligible to join or file a class action lawsuit against the manufacturer and pursue compensation for injuries, pain and suffering, and medical expenses.

Join a Belviq Cancer Lawsuit Investigation

If you took Belviq and developed cancer, you may be able to join a Belviq cancer class action lawsuit investigation. 

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