In February 2020, the drug manufacturer Eisai, Inc. pulled weight loss medications Belviq and Belviq XR from the United States market. This decision came when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asked Eisai, Inc. to voluntarily recall these medications — after a clinical study revealed Belviq may raise patients’ risk of cancer.
Receiving a cancer diagnosis after taking Belviq can be scary, but you are not alone. Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC is available to help North Carolina residents recover compensation for the damages they suffered after taking this dangerous drug.
What Our Attorney Brings to Your Case
- Shapiro Legal Group has over 20 years of experience in mass tort litigation, helping thousands of injured people recover the compensation they deserve.
- Our attorneys believe open communication is key to a successful Belviq lawsuit. We will respond to you within 24 hours, and our attorneys are available to answer any questions you may have.
- We provide nationwide legal services to Belviq victims, partnering with leading local firms to ensure you receive top representation.
Why Is Belviq Dangerous?
All pharmaceutical drugs must receive FDA approval before manufacturers can release them to the American market. However, the FDA may also require manufacturers to complete post-approval studies examining certain side effects. This is what happened to Eisai, Inc.
The FDA asked Eisai, Inc. to complete a clinical study on the long-term cardiovascular effects Belviq may have on its patients. While the study showed that Belviq patients aren’t at a higher risk for heart problems, the results showed that people who took Belviq developed cancer at a higher rate than the control group.
In particular, Belviq patients developed colorectal, pancreatic, and lung cancers. The incidence rate for cancer among Belviq users was 7.7%, compared to 7.1% of placebo patients. If you developed one of these cancers within seven years of taking Belviq, and you took Belviq for at least six months, you may qualify for legal action against the manufacturer of this medication.
What Should You Do If You Take Belviq?
If you currently take Belviq or Belviq XR, stop using these medications immediately. These drugs are no longer available on the market for an important reason, and continuing to use Belviq or Belviq XR may lead to serious health problems.
You should also dispose of any leftover pills safely. Take your medication to a drug take back program in your local area. If you cannot reach a disposal location, take the following steps to dispose of the medication online.
- Mix the leftover Belviq pills with an unappealing substance, like dirt or cat litter.
- Seal the mixture in a resealable plastic bag.
- Place the plastic bag in your trash can.
If you experience any symptoms of pancreatic, colorectal, or lung cancer, visit a medical professional immediately. Save all records from your doctor’s visits, and contact a lawyer from Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC as soon as possible to discuss your potential claim.
Contact Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC
Belviq is not a safe drug, and many patients report developing pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancer after taking this medication. If you are a former Belviq or Belviq XR patient, financial compensation is available — and Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC is here to advocate for your needs.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with a Belviq cancer attorney (800) 220-0984. Our firm offers top legal representation to clients across the United States, including North Carolina residents.