Belviq

Compassionate Product Liability Attorney Serving Michigan Clients Harmed by Dangerous Drugs

The Food and Drug Administration approved the weight loss drug Belviq in the United States in 2012. This approval was given with the condition that the manufacturer, Eisai, conduct clinical trials to determine the extent of any cardiovascular risks. Following this study, it was determined in 2018 that there was no relation to heart problems; they found a startling link to higher cancer diagnosis in patients taking Belviq versus those taking the placebo. The FDA requested that Eisai voluntarily recall Belviq in February 2020, and the company complied.

At the Neumann Law Group, we’ve assembled a dedicated team of product liability attorneys who skillfully handle cases involving dangerous drugs, such as Belviq. Together, our attorneys have more than 200 years of experience aggressively pursuing justice on behalf of our clients. We are immediately available to meet with you to discuss your Belviq cancer recall lawsuit during a free, no-obligation consultation.

How Does Belviq Work?

Belviq was designed to help with weight loss for obese people with at least one weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. These people often had a hard time with diet, exercise, and other lifestyle adjustments alone. Serotonin is a hormone that provides us with happy and positive feelings, stabilizes our mood, and aids with sleep and digestion. Belviq targeted the Serotonin receptors that controlled appetite, and once activated, people had a feeling of satisfaction and being full.

The FDA Establishes a True Cancer Risk for Patients Taking Belviq

The FDA initially declined to approve Belviq in 2010 as there was evidence that it caused tumors in rodents during clinical testing. Following additional modifications, the approval was granted, and Eisai advised the FDA that there was no greater risk to their patients than those who took a placebo. This was clearly not the case.

The following cancers are most frequently linked to the use of Belviq:

• Colorectal cancer,
• Lung cancer,
• Pancreatic cancer, and
• Other cancers, such as breast cancer and brain cancer, are currently being evaluated.

Due to the increasing concern for developing cancers over time, the FDA recommended that patients stop taking Belviq in February 2020 and that doctors stop prescribing Belviq.

Are Pharmaceutical Companies Liable for Injuries Caused by Their Drugs?

Yes, a drug manufacturer can be liable for damages for many different reasons, although that will not always be the case. Unlike other types of personal injury cases, product liability cases do not require you to prove that the manufacturer was negligent. Instead, you can prove that the product was unreasonably dangerous due to a manufacturing defect, design defect, or the manufacturer’s failure to warn patients of known side effects.

In this particular situation, Eisai marketed and distributed a medication that posed a risk to those taking it, and they failed to warn those people of the risks associated with it. There is also ample evidence suggesting that Eisai was well aware that there was a risk of developing debilitating cancers from the use of its drug. Thus, it appears likely that Eisai could be financially liable for Belviq victims’ health conditions.

Schedule a Free Consultation with the Neumann Law Group to Learn More About Pursuing a Belviq Cancer Recall Lawsuit

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with cancer following the use of weight-loss medication Belviq, the attorneys at the Neumann Law Group are here to help. You can speak with one of our qualified intake specialists at (800) 525-6386 or complete our online form. We have attorneys in Grand Rapids, Detroit, and Traverse City ready to take on pharmaceutical companies on your behalf. We handle all types of defective drug cases, including Elmiron cases, Tepezza cases and Valsartan cases. We can also help people who have been injured from defective medical devices, consumer products, or mass torts. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation, give the Traverse City product liability lawyers at the Neumann Law Group a call today.