In February 2020, the weight-loss drug Belviq was recalled because research revealed it may increase the risk of cancer. Phillips Law Group is currently investigating claims against the manufacturer by Belviq users who developed cancer.
If you or a loved one developed cancer after taking this medication, give us a call to discuss your potential claim. The initial consultation with an experienced defective drug lawyer is free and there are no upfront fees to have one of our experienced attorneys represent you.
Phillips Law Group has obtained more than $1 billion in compensation on behalf of injury victims, including a recovery of $23 million in a defective drug case. Firm founder Jeff Phillips often works with lawyers around the nation on defective drug and defective product cases. Phillips is also a member of The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, an invitation-only group of the premier trial lawyers in each state.
We are dedicated to securing maximum compensation for our clients and holding negligent parties accountable.
Give us a call to discuss your potential case. 602-222-2222 .
Can I File a Lawsuit?
This is an issue that should be discussed in detail with a licensed attorney, as there are several factors that may need to be considered. That said, if you or a loved one took Belviq for a significant amount of time (six months or more) and were diagnosed with lung, pancreatic or colorectal cancer within seven years of taking the drug, you should strongly consider giving us a call. You may have grounds for a defective drug case against the manufacturer.
Belviq has been linked to other cancers besides lung, colorectal and pancreatic cancers. If you have been diagnosed with these cancers, you may have a case:
- Skin cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Hodgkin’s Disease
- Breast cancer
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) received adverse event reports about these cancers through its Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).
Other factors we may need to consider about your eligibility for a case include:
- If you have been previously diagnosed with cancer, as this may make it more likely for you to develop these cancers again
- Type of cancer treatment you are receiving and its effectiveness
- What your medical records say about your diagnosis
What Compensation May be Available?
Defective drug victims may be able to obtain compensation for past and future medical treatment of their cancer. If you have a valid claim, our firm is prepared to pursue compensation for the cost of things like:
- Hospital stays
- Prescription drugs
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation
- Home health care
- Surgery
- Appointments with doctors
Other economic damages you may be able to claim include:
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Funeral expenses
- Cost of hiring a caregiver
Non-economic damages like pain and suffering, lost enjoyment of life and lost companionship may also be available. If your loved one passes away before or after filing a claim, we may be able to pursue wrongful death compensation, such as:
- Lost household services
- Lost benefits
- Lost care, guidance and companionship
While punitive damages are rarely awarded in personal injury cases, sometimes they are awarded in defective drug cases. These damages are meant as punishment for the at-fault party for extreme or intentional negligence.
The value of each claim must be assessed on its own and Phillips Law Group has decades of experience evaluating damages and valuing cases.
Give us a call to discuss a potential Belviq lawsuit and the compensation that may be available.
Phillips Law Group. Licensed. Local. Lawyers. Call 602-222-2222 .
Why was Belviq Approved by the FDA?
The FDA chose to approve Belviq for chronic weight management in June 2012, despite the fact these drugs often cause serious and potentially lethal side effects. Belviq was the first anti-obesity drug to receive approval since 1999.
The drug contains lorcaserin, which helps make users feel full after eating a small meal by manipulating chemical signals in the brain. Belviq was prescribed to treat those with obesity and type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure.
Why was Belviq Recalled by the Manufacturer?
Belviq manufacturer Eisai Inc. chose to recall the drug at the request of the FDA. The request was based on a long-term study of 12,000 people ”“ some took Belviq and others took a placebo ”“ that found 7.7 percent of those taking Belviq developed cancer compared to 7.1 percent of those taking the placebo.
The purpose of the five-year study was to assess the risk of cardiovascular problems associated with the drug. The 12,000 participants were obese and had a variety of cardiovascular disease risk factors. While researchers found no meaningful difference in the risk of cardiovascular risks between those who took Belviq and those who took the placebo, analysis revealed an increased risk of cancer.
According to the FDA’s Drug Safety Communication, not only was the number of cancers higher for those taking Belviq, but users also had more types of cancer than those taking the placebo. The frequency of cancer diagnoses also increased with time among Belviq users.
The FDA’s official announcement of the recall request said the administration believed the risks of Belviq outweighed the potential benefits. It was recommended that patients stop taking the drug right away and ask their doctor about alternatives.
Although Eisai complied with the FDA’s request, the company said it still believes Belviq has a positive benefit-risk profile for its patient population.
What is the Status of the Lawsuits Filed Against Eisai Co.?
So far, there have not been any settlements or jury verdicts for the Belviq lawsuits that have been filed. However, we are monitoring these cases for any new developments.
Despite the lack of jury verdicts or settlements, it is important to contact an experienced attorney right away to discuss a potential Belviq lawsuit. It takes time to investigate and build a strong argument for why victims may be eligible for compensation.
Other Side Effects of Belviq
Belviq has been linked to a variety of side effects besides cancer, including:
- Psychiatric problems ”“ Users might suffer hallucinations, bipolar disorder or extreme changes in their mood.
- Serotonin imbalance ”“ As Belviq affects serotonin levels in the brain, there could be an imbalance leading to changes in blood pressure, body temperature or heart rate. Movement disorders may also occur.
- Impaired cognitive functions ”“ Users may feel dizzy or drowsy and have trouble driving or operating heavy machinery.
Belviq could also cause more mild side effects like nausea, headache, constipation, diarrhea or fainting.
Call to Discuss Eligibility for Filing a Belviq Lawsuit
You need experienced legal representation to take on powerful drug companies that deny the risks of their products and look to avoid accountability.
Phillips Law Group has represented more than 155,000 consumer clients over more than 28 years and we have secured hundreds of millions in compensation. Partner Jeff Phillips has served as lead counsel in more than 40 jury trials.
There are no risks in contacting our firm, as the initial consultation is free and if we find you have a valid claim, the decision on whether to pursue is up to you. Our attorneys do not charge upfront fees and are not paid unless our clients receive compensation.
Phillips Law Group. Experienced legal help. Call 602-222-2222 .