Following the results of a recent safety trial, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning that the weight loss drug lorcaserin (Belviq) may increase the risk of cancer. Therefore, the agency recalled the weight loss pill Belviq.
About Belviq
According to the CDC, around 40% of Americans are obese. Many seek supplements or weight loss pills to lose weight. These pills can have significant adverse effects. For example, in 1997, the FDA removed the diet pill “Phen-Phen” from the market due to damage to heart valves. Now, there is a Belviq recall due to cancer concerns. The FDA approved the drug in 2012 without any significant risk trials. Like Phen-Phen, Belviq decreases appetite. However, the agency demanded a larger trial to test cardiac safety.
When the initial trial ended in 2018, 12,000 patients had zero cardiac side effects. However, a follow-up study showed something shocking.
Weight Loss Pill Recall
At the five-year study follow-up, the Data Safety Monitoring Board showed a higher rate of cancer than those who received the placebo. Due to this, the FDA asked for an immediate market withdrawal. These cancers ranged from pancreatic, lung cancer and colorectal cancer. Users developed cancer within one year of use and risk increases the longer duration of drug use.
Because of the cancer concern, in January 2020, the FDA announced publically a review of clinical trial data. Then, a public alert notified the public of a possible risk of cancer associated with lorcaserin based on preliminary analysis of the data. The report showed a range of cancers including pancreatic, colorectal, and lung.
Therefore, in February 2020, the FDA requested the manufacturer, Eisai Inc. to initiate a weight loss pill recall.
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If you or a loved one has been harmed by Belviq, you need an attorney with experience helping people who have been harmed by pharmaceutical drugs. The attorneys at the Michael Brady Lynch Firm know what it takes to go up against drug manufacturers to get clients what they need. Our consultations are free and confidential. Reach out today for more information.