Belviq is an appetite suppressant from the
manufacturer Eisai Inc. Patients took Belviq in hopes of losing weight and ultimately becoming healthier. Lorcaserin, the generic name for Belviq, reduces a person’s appetite by activating a type of serotonin receptor in the brain called the hypothalamus which is known to control appetite. Sadly, many Belviq users are actually becoming critically ill due to the drug. Belviq has also been linked to several types of cancer.
If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer after taking Belviq, Belviq XR, or the generic form lorcaserin, speak to the experienced defective medication attorneys at Abels & Annes about your rights and options. You may be entitled to compensation from Eisai Inc for any damages caused to you.
What Are the Risks of Taking Belviq?
As with any medication, there are side effects associated with Belviq. These include bruising, changes in mood, and memory problems. However, patients were not warned in advance about much more serious dangers or even the potential for a fatal outcome.
Before Belviq hit the US market, research tied the drug to
tumors in tested animals. Tumors develop when cells grow and divide too rapidly. Out of control cell production can lead to cancer.
This information should have been enough to look further into Belviq before releasing it onto the market for human use. However, obviously the drug was released and now many people are suffering because of it due to improper oversight of the safety concerns to humans.
Research Links Belviq to Cancer
A clinical trial of
12,000 participants revealed more cases of cancer in those taking lorcaserin than in participants taking a placebo.
Subsequently, in a study conducted by the FDA, 7.7% of participants who took Belviq received a cancer diagnosis. Following its studies, the FDA advised Belviq users to
stop taking the pills and to speak with their doctors about alternative treatments for weight loss.
Should I stop taking Belviq?
Anyone taking Belviq, or any prescribed drug for that matter, should talk to their primary care doctor or a healthcare professional about their options before quitting the medication suddenly. Your doctor should be able to advise you on health concerns related to a particular medication so that you can make an informed decision about how to proceed with your medical needs.
Types of Cancers Linked to Belviq
Various types of cancer have been linked to taking Belviq, including:
- Pancreatic cancer
- Colon cancer
- Lung cancer
- Brain cancer
- Breast cancer
Pancreatic Cancer
Just
20% of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer survive for more than a year following the diagnosis. Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading type of cancer responsible for deaths in the US. Pancreatic cancer is extremely serious and people who took Belviq are being diagnosed with it.
Colon Cancer
Colon cancer has an overall survival rate of about 63%, which means that about one-third of those diagnosed do not survive. For those who do survive, they suffer all kinds of horrible symptoms, including: rectal bleeding, persistent abdominal pain, and weakness or fatigue among many others.
People who took a simple diet medication, and their families, should not have to suffer these horrendous side effects or risk death just because they wanted to lose weight.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the
leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Since lung cancer is often associated with smoking, Belviq users might not suspect that their medication could be the cause. In reality, up to
20% of people who develop lung cancer have never smoked.
Other Types of Cancers
The full effects of Belviq are still being discovered. It is possible that other form of cancer could be linked to taking Belviq or lorcaserin. Some types of cancers that have been linked to the medication include brain and breast cancer, but there could be others.
The FDA urges users to report any complications they’ve experienced by visiting www.accessdata.fda.gov.
Has the FDA Recalled Belviq?
The maker of the drug, Eisai, voluntarily
took Belviq and Belviq XR off the market in February 2020. This was after the
FDA requested the removal because a clinical trial showed an increased occurrence of cancer.
Who Is Eligible for a Belviq Lawsuit?
If you believe that taking Belviq caused your or a family member’s cancer, you may be eligible to get compensation for the damages caused by the defective drug. To qualify, you must be:
- Over the age of 18
- Diagnosed with cancer
- Have taken Belviq, Belviq XR, or lorcaserin for a significant period of time
What Damages Can I Recover from a Belviq Lawsuit?
If your case is found to qualify for a Belviq lawsuit, you may be eligible for compensation for the following categories:
Medical Bills
Past and future medical bills (including medications, hospital stays, and in-home care). The cost of cancer medication alone can amount to
$100,000 for just a year’s supply. Additionally, hospital stays and other forms of treatment can quickly escalate into the millions.
Pain and suffering
Between
80% and 100% of cancer patients experience fatigue. Many also experience debilitating pain. Not only can you feel it physically, but your ability to enjoy life is compromised. Up to
25% of people with cancer also develop depression. Because of this, a Belviq cancer patient may be eligible for pain and suffering compensation.
Lost wages
Time you take off to go to appointments, undergo surgery, and otherwise recover at home means your paycheck takes a hit. If you were diagnosed with cancer because of Belviq, you may be able to recover compensation for lost wages during treatment and following your physician-prescribed recovery period.
Loss of earning capacity
Cancer can result in long-term disability. It may even be permanent. Even those who are able to return to work can face professional setbacks. They may miss out on opportunities for promotions, raises, and other career advancements. Your attorney can help with calculating the value of your lost earning capacity.
Funeral expenses (in the event of a loved one’s death)
On top of grieving a tremendous loss, survivors also face sizable funeral expenses, medical bills while the loved one was still alive, and lost income from primary family earners. If your loved one died because of cancer caused by Belviq, you may be eligible to bring a
wrongful death lawsuit.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Belviq Lawsuit Attorney?
When you hire an attorney that is experienced in dangerous drug lawsuits, there are no upfront fees. Almost every personal injury attorney in the country works on a contingency basis, which means you won’t owe anything unless your case is successful.
How Do I Get Started with a Belviq Lawsuit?
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer after taking Belviq or lorcaserin in any form, speak to an attorney as soon as possible. There are time limitations and various filing deadlines for Belviq lawsuits. This is why it’s imperative that you seek legal counsel as soon as possible for your case. Your attorney will get the process started for you and ensure that these deadlines are met.
The attorneys of Abels & Annes have the resources to go up against large drug manufacturers like Eisai. We will fight to secure the highest compensation for your injuries. For a free initial evaluation,
contact us online or by phone at
312-924-7575.