Popular Weight Loss Drug Recalled by the FDA

Belviq, First FDA Approved Weight Loss Drug in 13 Years, Recalled Due to Increased Cancer Risk

Here at Boesen Law, we pride ourselves on keeping up to date with all types of legal matters. Here is a quick summary of Belviq, a popular weight loss drug, that was recalled by the FDA due to an increased cancer risk the drug imposed. Call us at  for any of your legal needs.

What exactly is Belviq? 

Made by Arena Pharmaceuticals, Belviq is a weight loss drug that helps control appetite. The drug itself triggers the serotonin receptors in the brain to make the person feel full and satisfied. It is important to note that many antidepressants work due to the chemicals constantly targeting the serotonin receptors. The researchers at Arena Pharmaceuticals claim that Belviq only targets the receptors that affect a person’s appetite.

Does Belviq cause any side effects?

The most common side effects of Belviq are as follows: headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, dry mouth, and constipation. For patients that reported being diabetic, side effects included low blood sugar, back pain, headaches, cough, and fatigue.

When was Belviq officially recalled?

Belviq was recalled by the FDA on February 13th, 2020.

Why was Belviq recalled by the FDA?

The reason the FDA recalled the popular weight loss pill was because it increases an individual’s cancer risk. A study conducted with 12,000 participants over the span of five years found that participants that took the medication were diagnosed with cancer more than the participants that were taking a placebo. Several types of cancers were reported like pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancer.

Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “FDA Requests Withdrawal of Belviq, Belviq XR.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, http://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-requests-withdrawal-weight-loss-drug-belviq-belviq-xr-lorcaserin-market.

Park, Alice. “Belviq: 5 Things You Need to Know About the New Weight-Loss Pill.” Time, Time, 28 June 2012, healthland.time.com/2012/06/28/belviq-5-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-diet-pill/.