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What You Must Know About
Belviq Lawsuits

June 2012 marked a turning point in many Americans’ lives as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave Belviq — a medication for weight loss — the go-ahead to resolve obesity. However, eight years later (February 2020), the FDA announced the recall of Belviq and its upgraded 2016 version — Belviq XR.

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What You Must Know About Belviq Lawsuits

The main reason for this recall stemmed from research denoting a high risk of cancer in patients that ingested Belviq to lose weight.

Belviq is the “brainchild” of a top Swiss pharmaceutical entity — Arena Pharmaceuticals. In the United States, Eisai Inc. was responsible for advertising Belviq via multiple channels.

Both companies are listed in Belviq lawsuits across the US.

Belviq Explained

Belviq ranks as the umbrella term for a medication that facilitates weight loss — lorcaserin. Originally approved by the FDA in 2012, Belviq became the go-to drug for many adults who wanted to dispel their obesity without going through numerous hoops.

This weight-loss drug has a tablet form. In 2016, Belviq manufacturers released an extended format of the drug — Belviq XR.

Unlike the regular Belviq tablet, the Belviq XR targeted brain areas that reduce appetite. This make-up made it possible for users to go about their daily endeavors for several hours without experiencing the urge to eat. So, Belviq XR patrons lost weight with relative ease.

Belviq, from the stables of Arena Pharmaceuticals, has some semblance to a weight-loss medication that was famous in the 1990s — fenfluramine or fen-phen.

However, its fame was short-lived as it was recalled in 1997 because a study pointed out that fen-phen users had a high chance of experiencing severe heart issues.

After fen-phen’s downfall, Belviq came to the fore with promises that it was safer than the former variation.

Despite its seeming benefits, Belviq has been linked to some side effects as the years passed.

Belviq and the Cancer Risks It Poses

On 22 December 2009, Arena Pharmaceuticals sent a letter to the Food and Drug Administration, vying for the approval of Belviq based on its eighteen clinical trials on its sample size of almost 9,000 patients.

Sequel to the application, the FDA hosted an Advisory Committee meeting in 2010 (September). This meeting featured testimonies from Belviq’s manufacturing entity and other related parties.

By the subsequent month, the FDA informed Eisai Inc. and Arena Pharmaceuticals that they wouldn’t give Belviq approval because of insufficient data from tumors seen in lab rats. The FDA needed a certified pathologist to examine these tumors for cancers.

During this time, the agency had concerns about the link between the cancer form — adenocarcinoma — in rats and Belviq.

So, the FDA sought speedy answers as to whether or not Belviq usage could lead to human cancer as it did to lab rats.

For context, the cancer type in view, adenocarcinoma, begins in the mucus-forming glands present in human beings.

These cancers can occur in several organs, including:

Lung
Colon
Rectum
Prostrate
Breast
Pancreas

Despite Belviq’s cancer links, the FDA wasn’t satisfied with the medication’s efficacy. According to the agency, it was low. Thus, the agency desired more studies that proved Belviq’s efficiency and benefits to patrons in the long run.

In 2012, Eisai Inc. took “over the reigns” for marketing Belviq in the United States. Being at the helm of affairs saw them reapply for FDA Belviq approval.

Unlike the first Advisory Committee meeting hosted by the FDA, the second yielded positives for Eisai Inc. as committee members supported its reapplication. And in June 2012, the FDA approved Belviq marketing across the United States of America.

Eisai Inc. didn’t experience similar success in Europe. In 2013, the firm withdrew its application for Belviq use as the European Medicines Agency affirmed that it was unlikely to approve the medication due to cancer links in several animal studies.

The EMA was concerned that Belviq could form cancer cells in humans as it was intended for long-term usage.

Despite the concerns raised by the EMA, the Food and Drug Administration approved the entry of an extensive Belviq form — Belviq XR — in July 2016.

Why Was Belviq Approved in the US? An In-depth Look at the FDA's Drug Approval Process

Despite the EMA’s Belviq disapproval, people find it a bit hard to believe that the FDA approved such a drug four years prior. However, before we cast aspersions, it’s crucial to understand the FDA’s approval process.

You can fault the FDA’s drug vetting process as its arm — the Centre for Drug Evaluation and Research — allows entities to do research and determine safety and usability levels.

After the drug-creating firm releases data, researchers and scientists from CDER will take a peek at these files to know if they’re safe for consumption or not.

According to the Food and Drug Administration, CDER conducts limited research to verify these vital areas in any medication:

Effectiveness
Quality
Safety

When the FDA deemed Belviq fit for ingestion in 2012, the Centre for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) took an in-depth look at the major component of Belviq — Lorcaserin. Despite links between Belviq usage and cancer, the FDA approved this medication regardless.

Why did the FDA approve Belviq despite its purported negatives? No one can say for sure!

Cancer Links and the Rise of Belviq Lawsuits

Due to the links between Belviq and cancer, the FDA ordered Eisai Inc. to recall the medication in February 2020.

This FDA decision came on the heels of a 5-year study by Eisai that involved Belviq users to ensure there was no link between the drug’s usage and “life-threatening” cardiovascular issues.

The FDA towed this route as they saw that lorcaserin risks outweigh its advantages after executing a sudden clinical trial to validate Belviq’s safety levels.

When the FDA first certified Belviq for medical use, the arrangement was that Eisai Inc. would do research primarily focused on the drug’s cardiovascular effects.

The sample size for this study was 12,000. While some patients took Belviq, others ingested placebos.

The result of the study?

7.7% of those who took Belviq developed some form of cancer. Nonetheless, just 7.1% of patients that took the placebo experienced cancer.

In this study, three cancer variations ranked high.

Notable mentions include:

Lung cancer
Pancreatic cancer
Colorectal Cancer

Although Eisai Inc. followed FDA’s instructions to the T, it argued that the agency misinterpreted the research’s outcome. According to Eisai, the Belviq and Belviq XR medications were beneficial and showed a positive risk value during the study.

Nonetheless, the statement released by Eisai Inc. also indicated that they were ready to work in harmony with the FDA to allow seamless Belviq removal in the US.

Notable Side Effects Connected to Belviq Usage

Besides the three cancer forms mentioned above, here are other notable side effects connected to prolonged Belviq use:

Serotonin syndrome
Anemia
Reduced heart rate
High blood pressure
Heart attacks
Gynecomastia (also tagged “man boobs”)
NMS or Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
Cognitive impairments

NOTE: Regardless of the aforementioned side effects, the FDA demanded a total Belviq recall from Eisai Inc. due to the drug’s affiliations with varying cancers.

What Does the FDA Recommend?

If you’re using Belviq to facilitate weight loss, the FDA advises that you discontinue use immediately and see a medical professional who can educate you on top-tier alternatives available. Your doctor can also give you an in-depth rundown of programs you can participate in to achieve your weight-loss goals.

As seen in the study, Belviq usage is linked to various cancer forms found in the lungs, pancreas, or colon.

While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t recommend further screening, it advises going through with standard cancer check-ups at your chosen medical facility. Towing this path is essential for early detection and treatment.

Status Update on Belviq Lawsuits

The number of lawsuits associated with Belviq is climbing each passing day. Thus, most plaintiffs’ lawyers call upon the US Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) to converge all related Belviq claims nationwide into a Multidistrict Litigation.

The motion for this request became valid on 12 April 2021.

But why opt for Multidistrict Litigation?

MDLs consolidate the claims of many plaintiffs together. With an MDL active, a judge can issue a final verdict that binds numerous lawsuits.

This process is effective and efficient for both parties in the litigation. It’s expected that thousands of people will file Belviq claims as time rallies on.

Lawyers suggest numerous individuals will experience the adverse effects of direct or indirect Belviq use like cancer. Additionally, affected individuals must’ve filed a claim or are about to file one through their choice legal firm or attorney.

Attorneys also report that numerous defendants rock the MDL boat due to the uniqueness of cases.

Most of these companies desire togetherness between both parties during negotiations or outright litigation.

Belviq Lawsuits: Are You Qualified to File One?

The question — are you eligible to file for a Belviq case — is left unanswered by most. Nonetheless, note that you can file a Belviq lawsuit without worries of your claim being “thrown out of court” if you experience the following from Belviq usage:

Colorectal cancer
Pancreatic cancer
Lung cancer

NOTE: The aforementioned cancer formats must stem from the colon, pancreas, or lung. Cancers that spread from other bodily organs won’t qualify for lawsuit filing.

To qualify for Belviq lawsuit filing, you must’ve used the Belviq drugs for six months. Nonetheless, note that these months mustn’t run concurrently.

Additionally, if you have a family member that died due to cancer complications after ingesting Belviq, you can file a case on their behalf.

However, you have eighteen months after their demise to contact a legal practitioner that can litigate for you in court.

If you’re considering filing a Belviq claim shortly, set your cancer records aside and present them to your lawyer when requested. Doing this will save you from the back and forths associated with your claim.

Filing a Belviq Lawsuit and How It Could Prove Useful to You

Although the intricacies surrounding Belviq lawsuits are a tad complex at first glance, getting a settlement could help you sort these areas:

Astronomic medical bills
Unpaid wages due to work absence
Reduced live quality
Pain and suffering (e.g., chemotherapy during cancer treatment)
Companionship loss
Lost consortium
Funeral expenses (if a loved one died due to an ailment linked to Belviq usage)

Belviq Lawsuit Settlements: What Compensation Amounts Can Plaintiffs Expect?

You can’t possibly guess the settlement value you’ll get on your Belviq lawsuit.

Hiring an expert legal practitioner can prove positive as they can make accurate guesses.

Although the “claims” leveled against Belviq producer (Arena Pharmaceuticals) and distributor (Eisai Inc.) are rock-solid on all fronts, only a few individuals have filed lawsuits.

The scarcity of Belviq lawsuits makes it straightforward for the defendant to pay a fair settlement amount to plaintiffs without batting an eyelid.

Therefore, you can expect settlements to hover around $350,000 to $500,000. Nonetheless, these values can reach millions, depending on the losses incurred by the plaintiff.

Notable Queries a Belviq Lawsuit Lawyer Might Ask

What Cancer Form Were You Diagnosed With After Ingesting Belviq?

According to the few Belviq lawsuits in the US, Belviq’s use resulted in several cancer forms. The most notable were lung cancer, colon cancer, and pancreas cancer.

Are You 18 or older?

Belviq is only recommended for adults. So, your lawyer might want details on your age to see if you’re an adult. Not fulfilling the age criteria might see your lawsuit get thrown out of court.

What Month Did Your Relative Die From Belviq-induced Cancer?

If you intend to file a Belviq claim in the stead of a dead relative that died from cancer stemming from this drug, your attorney will want to know when they died.

Why?

Because you have just 18 months after their demise to file a Belviq lawsuit.

When Was the Last Time You Ingested Belviq?

Your attorney will most likely direct this question to you because people who take Belviq within seven years of their cancer diagnosis can file claims without hassles.

Don't Fret. You're Not Alone

Although Belviq lawsuits might look like new terrain for most, many people across the USA are filing claims on how Belviq usage affected their lives. If you took Belviq at one point to lose weight, you can fight for justice and get a fitting settlement that’ll get your life back on track.

This is an active lawsuit.

Individuals affected by this particular product or chemical are currently filing lawsuits.