If you struggle to lose weight with diet and exercise alone, your doctor may recommend a supplemental medication. Belviq and Belviq XR were a popular choice among doctors — until the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) discovered that they may raise the risk of cancer among patients.
Tennessee Belviq patients may have the right to collect compensation through a lawsuit against Eisai, Inc, the drugs’ manufacturer. If you developed cancer after taking Belviq, Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC can help.
How Our Law Office Can Help
- Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC has over 20 years of mass tort and personal litigation experience, helping injured people across the country recover the compensation they deserve.
- Our firm is highly responsive to client requests. When you ask for a free consultation, we will respond to you within 24 hours, and we will always answer your questions.
- Dangerous drug lawsuits are notoriously complex. Our attorneys have the legal experience, litigation skills, and resources necessary to prove your right to damages.
What Evidence Shows Belviq Causes Cancer?
Belviq’s active ingredient is lorcaserin hydrochloride, a serotonin receptor agonist that may help with weight management. In 2010, the FDA initially rejected lorcaserin over evidence that it contributed to tumors in rats. However, the agency approved the drug for adjunct weight loss therapy in 2012.
After the approval of Belviq, the FDA asked Eisai, Inc. to conduct a study on the medication’s cardiovascular side effects. While the resulting research did not show any heart-related damage, the findings did reveal an increased risk of cancer among Belviq patients. 7.1% of patients in the placebo group developed cancer while 7.7% of Belviq patients developed cancer over the same time period, which was a concerning difference for the FDA.
This evidence shows that Belviq may increase the risk of three cancers: lung, pancreatic, and colon. These cancers contribute to a host of painful symptoms, which may include unintended weight loss, blood in the stool or spit, chest pain, and fatigue. The longer a cancer develops in the body, the slimmer the chance of survival becomes — and more intense treatment is necessary in these later stages.
If you developed one of these cancers within seven years after taking Belviq for at least six months, you may qualify for financial remedies. You can file a lawsuit against Eisai, Inc. for your treatment costs, lost wages, emotional damages, and more.
Tennessee’s Statute of Limitations for Belviq Cases
To file a civil lawsuit in Tennessee, you will need to pay attention to the statute of limitations. This rule requires you to file your lawsuit by the state-defined deadline. If you do not file within the specified time period, you will not be able to file your claim and lose your chance at claiming compensatory damages.
Tennessee has one of the shortest statute of limitations; you will typically need to file your claim within one year of your injury. However, you may not know that you developed your Belviq-related cancer until a much later date. There are some exceptions that apply in these situations. Speak to an attorney at Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC to determine your filing deadline and protect your right to compensation.
Contact a Tennessee Belviq Lawyer Today
Any drug-related illness can have a major impact on your daily life, and cancer is one of the most serious conditions you can develop. If you received a lung, colon, or pancreatic cancer diagnosis within seven years of taking Belviq or Belviq XR, you may be eligible for financial compensation.
Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC can help you fight for your right to recovery. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Tennessee Belviq lawyer.