In early June of 2020, a Louisiana woman filed a lawsuit against the manufacturers of the weight loss drugs Belviq (lorcaserin) and Belviq XR to seek compensation for her breast cancer. She began taking the drug in August 2018 through at least that same October. In June of 2019, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, alleging that it was a direct result of exposure to Belviq.
There have been many cancer suits against lorcaserin manufacturers since the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested its removal from the market in February 2020. The order was given based on clinical trials showing that Belviq increased a patient’s risk of cancer, most often colorectal, lung, and pancreatic cancer.
How is Breast Cancer Linked to Belviq?
Belviq was developed as a medication to be taken jointly with practicing other facets of weight-loss therapy, such as a low-calorie diet and increased physical movement. It was created to help patients lose weight by reducing their hunger so they could more easily abide by their diet guidelines.
Lorcaserin was initially rejected by the FDA in 2010, after research showed that rats treated with the drug had an increased incidence of brain tumors and breast cancer. The FDA approved Belviq in 2012 but only if the drug manufacturer conducted a placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial to prove the drug’s safety. The study ran after the approval, from 2013-2018, and showed that more patients who took lorcaserin were diagnosed with cancer over those who took the placebo.
How can we help you?
Breast cancer victims all over the country are filing lawsuits against Belviq manufacturers for causing their diagnosis. These cases accuse lorcaserin manufacturers of failing to conduct proper safety research, failing to publicly recognize the link between Belviq and cancer, and intentionally delaying its removal from the market.
In addition to breast cancer, the cancers most frequently diagnosed in those who took Belviq are:
- Colorectal cancer
- Lung cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
Although Belviq is no longer available, it may be too late for those already taking the drug in the past. If you or a loved one were diagnosed with breast cancer or another cancer after taking lorcaserin, the experienced legal team at Kwartler Manus, LLC. can assist you with the complicated process and help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us online today for a free consultation to discuss your situation.