Losing weight can be difficult with diet and exercise alone, which is why some doctors prescribe weight loss medications to their patients. One of these drugs, Belviq, may lead to an increased risk of colorectal, pancreatic, and lung cancers, according to a recent study by its manufacturer.
If you were a former Belviq patient and developed one of those cancers after taking this drug, you may qualify for legal compensation through a lawsuit. However, you may only file a claim if your case meets certain criteria. Contact the Belviq recall lawyers at Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC to get more information on filing a lawsuit. We serve clients nationwide, including, Texas, California and New York.
The History of the Belviq Recall
After its initial approval in 2012, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) required the manufacturers of Belviq, Eisai Inc., to conduct a study on the drug’s cardiovascular impact. Some weight loss medications can have adverse effects on your heart health, and the FDA wanted to ensure that Belviq did not have the same impact.
The study revealed that Belviq users experienced adverse cardiovascular events at the same rate as patients in the placebo group. However, the results also revealed that Belviq patients saw the development of certain cancers at a higher rate than placebo patients — 7.7% versus 7.1%.
In response to these results, the FDA asked Eisai, Inc. to recall the medication from the U.S. market. The company complied with these requests in February 2020.
What Are the Grounds for a Lawsuit?
You may be eligible for a lawsuit if you meet the following criteria.
- You used Belviq for at least six months. These months do not have to be consecutive.
- You developed colorectal, pancreatic, or lung cancer.
- You received your cancer diagnosis within seven years of using Belviq.
Proving a lawsuit against a large drug manufacturer will require you to prove that you developed an additional injury or illness after using the product. An attorney working on Belviq litigation can connect you with medical experts who can evaluate your illness, review the existing evidence, and corroborate your claims in the courtroom.
Do You Need an Attorney?
While self-representation may seem like a viable option for a Belviq lawsuit, facing a large corporate legal team can be daunting. A lawyer will be able to match the legal skills, experience, and knowledge of this counsel, providing several benefits for your case.
- Your lawyer can help you calculate the damages you may be eligible for and evaluate any settlement offers the manufacturer provides. This will help you avoid accepting a lower settlement than what you need to recover.
- Cancer treatment can be painful and cause serious fatigue, which can make filing a lawsuit difficult without help. Your attorney will handle the bulk of your claim’s work, allowing you to focus on your treatment instead of complex legal processes.
- Many lawsuits settle outside of the courtroom during negotiations. Your lawyer will have the training necessary to effectively advocate for your recovery, and will not hesitate to move forward with your claim if you do not receive an adequate offer.
If you believe you may have grounds for a Belviq lawsuit, hiring an attorney is one of the most important steps you can take for your recovery. Contact an attorney who is working with Belviq patients as soon as possible to discuss your legal options and whether or not you qualify for compensation.