In February 2020, the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California issued an order consolidating all federal lawsuits against Arena Pharmaceuticals (“Arena”), the manufacturer of the weight-loss drug Belviq® (lorcaserin). The Court appointed Girard Gibbs LLP as interim co-lead counsel in this consolidated action. If you or a loved one has taken Belviq and suffered adverse health effects, you may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit. Here is what you need to know about the Belviq class action lawsuit.
What is Belviq?
Belviq is a prescription medication that was approved by the FDA in 2012 for use as an adjunct to diet and exercise for adults with obesity who have a body mass index (“BMI”) of 30 kg/m2 or greater, or adults with overweight who have a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or greater and have at least one weight-related comorbidity, such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or high cholesterol.
Belviq works by activating serotonin receptors in the brain that help control appetite. However, recent studies have found that taking Belviq may increase the risk of cancer, including pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, and lung cancer. Other serious side effects associated with Belviq include memory loss and depression.
Because of these risks, on February 27, 2020, the FDA requested that Arena voluntarily withdraw Belviq from the market. However, as of May 2020, Arena has not withdrawn Belviq from the market and continues to sell the drug without advising patients of its potential risks.
If you have taken Belviq and have been diagnosed with cancer or have experienced serious side effects like memory loss or depression, you may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit against Arena. Contact Girard Gibbs LLP today for a free consultation to learn more about your legal rights and options.
Conclusion:
The FDA has requested that the manufacturer of Belviq voluntarily withdraw the weight-loss drug from the market due to potential health risks associated with its use. If you or someone you love has taken Belviq and suffered adverse health effects as a result, you may be able to file a lawsuit against Arena Pharmaceuticals and recover compensation for your injuries. Contact Girard Gibbs LLP today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.