A lawsuit filed against Arena Pharmaceuticals regarding their Belviq diet pills alleges that these pills were never properly tested and pose a serious risk to those who take them. The plaintiff claims that she developed cancer as a result of taking this drug and that Arena knew or should have known about the risk posed by their pills. Just this year, Arena voluntarily withdrew Belviq from the market after clinical trials showed a higher risk of cancer development among those taking the drug.

This suit was filed by plaintiffs Deborah and Reuben S. in June 2020. The Belviq Diet Pills Lawsuit is Case No. 1:20-cv-02608, filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York.

Belviq Diet Pills Adverse Effects

Belviq diet pills are commonly used to manage weight in overweight and obese individuals. These pills are particularly marketed towards individuals with diabetes and other weight-related conditions, according to the FDA. The most common adverse reactions to Belviq among non-diabetic patients include headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, constipation, and dry mouth. Among diabetic patients, the most common side effects are hypoglycemia, back pain, headache, cough, and fatigue

In January 2020, the FDA announced that Arena would be withdrawing Belviq diet pills from the market due to cancer concerns. This withdrawal came as a result of a five-year clinical trial requested by the FDA at the time of the drug’s approval. The trial found that more patients taking Belviq developed cancer in comparison to the control group. The Belviq diet pills trial found that patients were at an increased risk of several types of cancer including colorectal, pancreatic, and lung.

Belviq Testing and Tumor Growth

One of the key claims of Deborah’s Belviq diet pills suit is that Arena knew or should have known about the link between Belviq and cancer. In order to prove this claim, the suit reports the results of a series of trials run using rats and mice. These trials found an increased risk of tumor growth among rats treated with the pills in comparison with the control. These results actually led the FDA to deny Belviq’s approval when it was first submitted to them.

Deborah also brings into question the actual effectiveness of Belviq diet pills. Over the course of the drug’s approval process, Belviq underwent three different trials to determine it’s efficacy in management. According to the suit, these studies consistently showed weight loss of roughly three percent and several showed weight regain in the second year. These lackluster results also contributed to the drug’s initial FDA denial.

In order to receive approval, Arena convened a working group to readjudicate the results of the trial. As a result of the group’s work, Belviq diet pills were approved in the U.S. in 2012.

Should You File A Belviq Diet Pills Lawsuit?

Patients prescribed Belviq diet pills should stop taking the drug and consult with their doctor. You may be able to find an alternative weight management medicine or program. The FDA recommends disposing of the drug at a drug takeback location or in your household trash. If you are planning to simply throw out the pills, the FDA suggests mixing them with an “unappealing substance” like kitty litter or dirt or in a plastic bag. Do not crush the pills prior to disposing of them.

If you developed cancer as a result of taking Belviq diet pills, you may be able to seek compensation from the drug manufacturer. If you have experienced negative effects as a result of taking this medication, you can also file a report with the FDA.

Join A Belviq Cancer Side Effects Lawsuit Investigation

If you took Belviq or Belviq XR and developed cancer, you may be able to join a FREE Belviq cancer class action lawsuit investigation. Fill out the form on this page for more information.

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