Compared to established drugs that have been on the market for years, little is known about the weight loss medications Belviq and Belviq XR. In February 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asked the manufacturers of Belviq to pull the drug off the market. This decision came after a clinical trial revealed Belviq may raise patients’ cancer risk.
This finding is highly concerning, and it is normal to wonder what other side effects could result after taking these medications. If you experience a previously unreported Belviq side effect, the FDA has instructions you can follow to report them.
What Are the Known Side Effects of Belviq?
Like all medications, Belviq may cause a number of side effects. Not all patients will experience these symptoms, and some patients may not experience side effects at all. In addition, new side effects may appear.
The known side effects of Belviq and Belviq XR include the following:
- Headache
- Drowsiness and fatigue
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Upper respiratory infections
- Muscle pain
- Mental difficulties
- Low blood sugar
- Back pain
- Rashes
Belviq may also increase your risk of colorectal, pancreatic, and lung cancer. After the FDA approved the drug, a clinical trial showed that Belviq patients had a 7.7% of developing cancer, compared to 7.1% of patients in the control group.
While this difference may not seem very concerning, this data was enough for the FDA to ask Eisai Inc., Belviq’s manufacturers, to voluntarily recall the drug in February 2020. Many Belviq patients report developing these cancers within seven years of using the medication. If you currently use Belviq, stop taking it immediately and dispose of the pills via a drug take back program or safely within your household trash can.
How to Report a Belviq Side Effect
If you experience a new side effect that you believe is connected to your Belviq use, you can report this information to the FDA. The agency operates the MedWatch program, which collects data on how different drugs interact with different patients.
You can submit a report to MedWatch via the online application. You can also download the form online or call the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 to request a form via mail. You can either send the form back to the MedWatch program through the mail or submit it via fax to 1-800-FDA-0178.
Belviq side effects can be difficult to handle, leading to a variety of physical, emotional, and financial consequences. After reporting your new side effect to the FDA, you should visit your doctor as soon as possible to ensure you are in good health. You should also contact an attorney working on Belviq litigation to see if you qualify for legal action against Eisai, Inc.
What to Do If You Develop Cancer After Taking Belviq
The main concern surrounding Belviq is its potential risk for colorectal, pancreatic, and lung cancer. If you developed one of these conditions within seven years after taking Belviq, and you took the medication for a period of at least six months, you may qualify for financial compensation.
You can file a lawsuit against the manufacturer of Belviq in the civil court operating in your state. Hiring an attorney currently working on Belviq litigation can provide you access to experts and resources that can help build your case, allowing you to collect the compensation you need to recover.
If you have not done so already, collect all documentation related to your Belviq use and cancer diagnosis, and contact a Belviq cancer lawsuit attorney as soon as possible.