Belviq is a drug that has been used by many people for various years for weight loss purposes. The FDA initially approved it in 2012. However, a mandated clinical trial conducted for five years revealed that the patients consuming Belviq were at a higher risk of developing cancer than others.
When we buy medications, we trust them to treat us and not worsen our condition. If you are injured by Belviq, you should be able to get compensation. Although the drug is no longer available in the market, if you are a former Belviq patient, you can still take legal action by consulting a Belviq cancer lawyer.
What is Belviq Lorcaserin?
Belviq is the brand name of Lorcaserin, a weight-loss drug developed by the company Arena Pharmaceuticals. It works by activating a type of serotonin receptor in your brain (hypothalamus), which helps control appetite. Serotonin creates the feeling of satisfaction and being fully fed.
Belviq Lorcaserin side effects
All drugs come with some side effects, and Belviq is no exception. However, the Belviq side effects can range from mild, moderate to severe.
Mild side effects include:
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
Continued use of Belviq for a longer time can develop severe complications.
- Enlarged breasts
- Low blood sugar
- Mental/mood changes
- Easy bleeding
- Bruising
- Suicidal thoughts
- Various types of cancer
However, clinical trials showed that Belviq had no links with heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular diseases.
Cancers linked with Belviq
Not one but various types of cancers are linked with the use of Lorcaserin. One cardiovascular study revealed that three specific types of cancer risks might emerge- colorectal, lung, and pancreatic cancer. Each of these cancers can lead to severe complications and painful conditions.
Colorectal cancer
This is also known as colon or rectal cancer, as it starts in the colon or the rectum. Colorectal cancer usually begins when polyps growth occurs in the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Not all, but some polyps can change into cancer over time. Cancer starts in the innermost layer and then spreads through some or all the layers.
Lung cancer
Lung cancer begins in the lungs. Although smoking is the top cause of lung cancer in the United States, it can also occur due to exposure to certain toxins present in Belviq. Symptoms of lung cancer may include shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up blood, etc.
Pancreatic cancer
When cancerous growth occurs in the tissues of your pancreas, it leads to pancreatic cancer. This type of cancer is not detected in its early stages because its symptoms do not show until it has spread to the other parts of the body.
