Belviq Cancer Lawsuit
On Feb. 13, 2020, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declared a voluntary recall of the weight-loss medication Belviq after studies found increased cancer risks among those taking the drug.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer after taking Belviq, contact a Belviq cancer lawsuit attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case. Our attorneys are committed to seeking justice and compensation on behalf of those who have been seriously injured due to the negligent actions or inactions of drug manufacturers.
What Is Belviq?
Belviq is a weight-loss drug made by the Japanese drug company Eisai Inc. The drug was approved by the FDA to help weight loss in adults who have health issues because they are overweight or obese, including diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
Initially, in 2010, the FDA did not approve the drug amid concerns by regulators that the pharmaceutical caused lab rats to develop tumors. The FDA ended up approving the drug two years later but on condition that Eisai conducts additional clinical trials about the risk of problems associated with the drug.
Over a five-year period, a clinical trial was conducted with 12,000 individuals, comparing those who regularly used Belviq and those who took a placebo. The analysis revealed a connection between Belviq and cancer.
Of the trial participants who took the medication, 7.7% were diagnosed with 520 cancers, compared to 7.1% of placebo patients being diagnosed with 470 cancers. The study showed that Belviq use was linked to not only an increase in cancer among its participants, but also an increase in the different types of cancers they developed.
The FDA finished its analysis in February 2020 and found that the increased prevalence of cancer outweighed the benefits of taking the drug.
However, the FDA recalling Belviq does not reverse the potential harm caused to people who have taken the medication. Belviq users are filing dangerous drug claims against Eisai Inc. for failing to warn about health risks associated with the drug. If you or a loved one has taken Belviq and developed cancer or another serious health problem, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against Eisai Inc. for compensation.
How Does Belviq Work?
Belviq works by controlling appetite. The weight-loss drug activates serotonin receptors in the brain to stimulate feelings of fullness and therefore decrease appetite. Serotonin, which is found primarily in the stomach and intestines, is also involved in regulating mood. Antidepressant drugs, such as Zoloft and Prozac, work by preventing the absorption of serotonin and keeping brain receptors covered in it. Belviq is intended to seek out just the serotonin receptors that impact appetite.
Types of Injuries Associated with Belviq
Belviq may be associated with:
- Lung cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Colorectal cancer
If you were diagnosed with another type of cancer after taking Belviq, you might still be eligible to take legal action against Eisai Inc., the company responsible for manufacturing and marketing this drug. The FDA also found that the risk of developing cancer actually increased the longer an individual was taking Belviq.
Belviq also presents a number of other health risks and side effects, including:
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Back pain
- Cough
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty falling asleep
What Should I Do If I Have Taken Belviq?
Following the Belviq recall, the FDA has advised that people taking Belviq should stop use immediately and discard any unused drugs. The FDA has notified doctors that they should stop prescribing it as well. Those who were taking the drug for obesity should discuss alternative treatment plans with their doctor.
If you became sick or experienced adverse side effects due to taking Belviq, it’s critical that you seek immediate medical attention. Make sure you hold on to copies of all your medical records. These records will provide essential evidence should you decide to file a Belviq cancer lawsuit. If you are considering filing a lawsuit, an experienced Belviq lawsuit attorney will thoroughly review your medical records as they determine whether there is a link between the medication and your cancer diagnosis.
If you took Belviq, pay close attention to signs of heart problems, such as increased heart rate, high blood pressure, or dizziness. If you suffer chest pain or heart attack symptoms, seek medical attention right away. If you have any signs or symptoms that could indicate cancer, you should see an oncologist. Symptoms of colon cancer, which may result from taking Belviq, include:
- Changes in bowel habits, including constipation and diarrhea
- Blood in the stool
- Gas, cramps, or abdominal pain
- Unexplained extreme weight loss
- Chronic fatigue or weakness
After you seek medical treatment, it’s important that you follow all instructions from your doctor.
Types of Compensation Available
Being diagnosed with cancer is physically and mentally devastating. It can also have a negative impact financially, as well, from hospital bills and doctor’s appointments. When this devastation is caused by a pharmaceutical company’s negligence, you deserve compensation to cover the financial and emotional losses you have sustained.
Although filing a Bleviq lawsuit cannot undo the damage that you have suffered, it can help you move forward with your life and provide much-needed financial assistance. If you have been diagnosed with cancer after using Belviq, you might be entitled to compensation for the following types of losses:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Funeral and death benefits in cases of wrongful death
- Punitive damages (in rare cases)
Contact a Belviq Lawyer Today
Retaining a qualified Belviq cancer attorney is critical to receiving full and fair compensation for your suffering. A law firm will work with you to navigate the legal system and help you successfully file your Belviq cancer lawsuit. Most firms offer free and confidential case evaluations for potential Belviq cancer lawsuit clients. Lawyers operate on a contingency-fee-basis, which means that we don’t receive payment until you do.