Losing weight can be a challenging process. People may choose to lose weight to improve their health, feel more confident in themselves, or fix serious medical issues. Sometimes people may have to look past conventional weight-loss methods like diets or exercise. Doctors may prescribe weight-loss drugs to incorporate into weight-management plans. However, the weight-loss drug Belviq may increase a patient’s risk of developing cancer.
Our law firm is currently handling lawsuits on behalf of individuals who have been injured after taking Belviq. Lawsuits against the manufacturers of Belviq claim that patients who use the medication have an increased risk of developing cancer.
In 2012, the FDA approved the weight-loss drug Belviq to treat people with obesity or other weight-related medical issues like diabetes and high blood pressure. The agency had not approved a weight-loss drug in nearly 13 years. Belviq activates serotonin receptors that make users feel satisfied and full. This weight loss drug does not affect serotonin receptors related to mood, only those that suppress appetite. Healthcare professionals instructed people to take the capsules twice a day with diet and exercise.
Belviq manufacturer, Eisai Inc., conducted a five-year study of 12,000 individuals to ensure the drug posed no cardiovascular risks. Instead, the results raised concerns over a potential cancer link. The unexpected outcome found that Belviq patients were more likely to develop pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancers. For this reason, in February 2020, the FDA requested Eisai Inc. withdraw Belviq from the market. The company complied, although it disagreed with the FDA’s decision.
According to the FDA’s findings, 7.7% of Belviq users developed cancer, but only 7.1% of participants taking a placebo were diagnosed with cancer. The FDA believes the benefits of Belviq do not outweigh the potential side effects, including:
Many people have filed lawsuits against Esai Inc. for adverse health effects related to the weight-loss drug Belviq. While Belviq labeling warned consumers of potential cardiovascular risks, it failed to mention any cancer risks. Due to the number of people prescribed Belviq, lawyers estimate that hundreds or thousands more may file Belviq lawsuits in the future.
If you or a loved one developed cancer after taking Belviq, you may recover compensation for any or all of the following:
Arena Pharmaceuticals manufactures Belviq at its facility in Switzerland. This company may be responsible for potential design and manufacturing defects that heightened the risk of cancer in Belviq patients. Furthermore, Eisai Inc. distributed Belviq in the United States, but its marketing did not provide any indication of the possibility of developing cancer when using Belviq.
The Lake Law Firm was founded by Edward J. Lake, Esq., a personal injury lawyer for over 25 years. Our dedicated team of attorneys is committed to seeking justice on behalf of those who have suffered injury or death due to the negligence of others. Our experienced attorneys handle many different types of pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, and other defective products. The lawyers in our firm have helped collect millions of dollars for their clients. The Lake Law Firm will advocate for you and your rights. Please contact us for a free confidential case evaluation at (888) 525-3529 or submit an inquiry on this page.
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