Belviq is a weight loss medication that may increase the risk of certain cancers. After its initial approval in 2012 by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a mandated five-year clinical trial discovered that Belviq patients developed cancer at a higher rate than those in the placebo group, with incidence rates of 7.7% versus 7.1%.
In particular, research suggests that Belviq may increase the risk of colorectal, pancreatic, and lung cancer. Belviq is no longer available on the market due to a voluntary recall, and if you are a former Belviq patient, you may be eligible for financial compensation. Shapiro Legal Group can help you file a Belviq lawsuit and get the justice you deserve. We help clients nationwide, call us today to schedule a free case evaluation.
The Belviq Cardiovascular Clinical Trial
Weight loss medications like Belviq can have dangerous impacts on your cardiovascular health, leading to racing heart rates and chest pains. To ensure Belviq did not cause dangerous side effects such as heart attack, the FDA required the manufacturers, Eisai Inc., to conduct a five-year study examining its cardiovascular impacts.
At the conclusion of the study’s third year, the researchers concluded that the patients who took Belviq experienced adverse cardiovascular events at the same rate as those in the placebo group. This data indicates that Belviq has little impact on cardiovascular health, but as the researchers continued to monitor the subjects, additional results surfaced.
At the five-year mark, researchers saw that Belviq patients saw a higher rate of developing cancer (7.7%) than placebo patients (7.1%). While the 0.6% difference may not seem significant, it is indicative of a larger issue — that Belviq may potentially increase cancer risk.
Cancers Linked to Belviq Medication
The cardiovascular study discovered the presence of three specific cancers among Belviq patients: colorectal, pancreatic, and lung. Each of these diseases can lead to serious complications, unpleasant and painful symptoms, and death.
- Colorectal cancer occurs in the colon or rectum, and usually begins when benign polyps start to develop inside of the colon. Symptoms can include a persistent change in your bowel movements, blood in the stool, and abdominal discomfort. Treatment includes surgeries and chemotherapy, and the average 5-year survival rate for colorectal cancer is 63%.
- Lung cancer develops in the lungs, and is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Symptoms may include a sudden persistent cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, shortness of breath, and unexplained weight loss. Treatment for lung cancer usually requires surgeries and chemotherapy.
- Pancreatic cancer affects the pancreas, which is responsible for helping you digest food. Symptoms include abdominal pain that radiates to your back, unexplained weight loss, jaundice, fatigue, and dark-colored urine. The 5-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer is only 9%.
These cancers can lead to serious impacts outside of the actual illness and the intensive treatment. Cancer care can be very expensive, leading to thousands of dollars in additional treatment even with health insurance. You may need to leave work to receive care or rest, leading to weeks, months, or even years of lost wages. The emotional and physical turmoil of cancer can be devastating as well.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation | (800) 220-0984
If you developed colorectal, pancreatic, or lung cancer within seven years after taking Belviq for a period of six months or more, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the manufacturers of this medication.
While legal action against Belviq is still in its early stages, speaking to an attorney who represents Belviq lawsuits can help you understand your legal options. To discuss your compensation options, speak with your lawyer as soon as possible.