Diagnosed with Cancer after Using Belviq or Belviq XR?
You may be entitled to compensation, and Roll Tide Injury Lawyers Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help
With the Centers for Disease Control reporting that 49.1% of adults in the USA attempted to lose weight at least once in the course of a year (2013-2016), its no wonder so many Americans turn to diet pills and pharmaceuticals for help.
But sometimes the drugs meant to help us, actually do the opposite. Belviq (Belviq XR), a prescription drug used for weight management in obese adults, has been shown to increase the risk of cancer.
If you or a loved one were prescribed Belviq or Belviq XR and were later diagnosed with cancer, you may be entitled to file a lawsuit.
At Roll Tide Injury Lawyers we’ve successfully helped over 5,000 clients obtain a total of $400,000,000 in settlements outside of court, and judgements from trials.
Consultations are always free, and if we take your case, you only pay if/when we are able to win you a verdict or settlement.
What Was Belviq Used For?
Initially approved by the FDA in 2012, Belviq had been used as a prescription weight loss drug for those who had difficulty losing weight through diet and exercise alone. The drug’s primary mode of action was to make those using it feel satiated (full), curbing appetite and by effect, reducing overall caloric intake.
FDA Belviq Recall: Unacceptable Cancer Risk
In February of 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced a recall for Belviq (lorcaserin), citing an unacceptable risk of patients developing cancer and other serious side effects.
As part of this recall, the FDA alerted the public that clinical trials of the drug had indicated an increased risk of developing cancer.
About the Recall
In 2012, the Belviq was approved for use with the requirement that it continue to carry out ‘post-marketing’ studies to further determine the potential for any negative side effects.
The continuation of such studies was carried out to determine the potential risk of heart issues associated with the use of Belviq, however, the data revealed an unexpected result: an increased risk of developing cancer.
Belviq Cancer Risk: what the studies say
Allegations against the drugmaker (Eisai Inc.) assert that the company was aware of significant safety concerns regarding the drug’s use, but did not adequately disclose these risks.
When it was approved in 2012 there was evidence that some Belviq studies had linked the weight loss drug to an increased risk of tumor development and cancers in rats.
Public Citizen: a consumer advocacy group
Not long after hitting the market, Public Citizen sounded the warning bells regarding the potential for serious side effects affecting the heart.
In early 2020, the FDA joined the sound off, warning that the data obtained from Eisai Inc’s post-marketing clinical trials implicated that Belviq may increase the risk of various cancers.
These Studies Demonstrated an Increased Risk/Occurrence of:
- Colorectal cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Lung cancer
In light of this information, the FDA stepped in, and on February 13th, 2020, they mandated a removal of Belviq from the market. At this point, patients prescribed the drug were told to stop, and to safely dispose of any remaining pills.
Allegations of Ignoring The Warning Signs
Lawsuits filed against the maker of Belviq claim that Eisai Inc. knew of and ignored warning signs that indicated the drug’s potential for increasing the risk of certain cancers.
Patients allege that by doing so, the makers of Belviq put profit before consumer safety, bringing to market a weight management pill that was both under-researched and dangerous.
Despite being aware of potential risks, lawsuits suggest that Belviq not only continued to sell, but to aggressively market and encourage the use of Belviq for the purpose of weight loss and improving overall health.
Withholding of information linking the drug to cancer was withheld from regulators, doctors, and consumers alike. As a result, those affected may not be eligible to significant financial compensation.
ALLEGATIONS OVERVIEW
Belviq Lawsuits Claim That the Company:
- Did not adequately research side effects associated with Belviq prior to bringing it to market
- Failed to properly follow through with post-marketing studies intended to evaluate the risk of cancer
- Intentionally ignored evidence suggesting a link between Belviq and cancer
- Championed misleading and/or outright false information regarding the drug’s safety profile
- Delayed issuing a recall, while continuing to push a dangerous product on an unknowing public
- Put profit before patient health and safety
Who Qualifies to File a Belviq Lawsuit?
Every case and situation is unique. In order to determine your eligibility, reach out to our personal injury law firm for a complimentary case evaluation.
Who Qualifies?
In general, any patient who had taken Belviq for a period of six months or longer, and who later developed colorectal, pancreatic, or lung cancer may qualify.
*Use of Belviq does not have to be 6-consecutive months, but 6-months or more total
Heirs and family members of a patient who had taken Belviq for six or more months and later died from these cancers may also qualify (strict statute of limitations often exist, so don’t delay).
What Types of Compensation are Available?
At Roll Tide Injury Lawyers we know what it takes to help our clients get maximum compensation for their injuries. We’re no stranger to fighting big pharma on behalf of our clients and making sure they get the representation they deserve.
If big pharma, its lawyers or insurance companies are pushing you around, its time to put us in your corner. Don’t accept a ‘low ball’ offer that looks out for their best interests, not yours or those of your family.
We bring the fight to them, making sure those responsible for your injuries are held accountable, and fighting relentlessly to get you the compensation you deserve.
Types of Compensation You May Qualify for Includes:
- Past, current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages from time off work
- Lost future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Therapy
- And more…
Why Roll Tide Injury Lawyers Personal Injury Attorneys?
We know how difficult it can be to hear a diagnosis of cancer. While the road ahead may be a bit bumpy, we’re here to help smoothen the trail and lighten the load.
Our firm has dedicated its practice to standing up for those injured by third parties, including big pharma. With combined decades of experience and more than $400 million in awards and settlements won, we have what it takes to position your claim for success.
What You Can Expect from Roll Tide Injury Lawyers:
- A high standard of service
- Compassionate and caring support system
- Clear and frequent communication
- A dedicated legal team committed to fighting for what you deserve
- Award-winning lawyers
- Contingency basis (you only bay if/when we win a verdict or settlement in your favor)
Our Belviq/Belviq XR Lawyers are Ready to Help
Call or message today for a free consultation and to find out if you may qualify to file a lawsuit or claim against the makers of Belviq.
Our team is standing by and ready to learn more about how we can help.