If you took Belviq—or its extended-release version, Belviq XR—and have since been diagnosed with cancer, you may be wondering if you’re eligible to take legal action. You’re not alone. Since the FDA requested the withdrawal of Belviq from the market in early 2020 due to potential cancer risks, thousands of former users have raised concerns, many of them unaware of their rights or options.
Belviq (lorcaserin) was marketed as a weight-loss drug that could help individuals struggling with obesity. However, after years on the market, post-approval studies suggested a possible link between Belviq and an increased risk of various cancers, including pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancer.
Because of the complex nature of these cases and the specific legal criteria involved, consulting a skilled Belviq lawsuit attorney can be helpful in understanding your rights and pursuing compensation. The FDA’s decision to pull the drug off pharmacy shelves left patients with more questions than answers.
So, how do you know if you’re eligible to file a lawsuit? Let’s break it down.
1. You Used Belviq or Belviq XR as Prescribed
First and foremost, to be eligible for a Belviq-related lawsuit, you must have been prescribed and used the drug as intended. Whether you took it for a few months or several years, medical documentation showing you used Belviq or Belviq XR is key. Prescription records, pharmacy receipts, and even doctor’s notes can help build your case.
Even if you’re unsure whether you have these records, a skilled attorney can help you track them down as part of the investigation process.
2. You Were Diagnosed with Cancer After Using Belviq
If you have been diagnosed with certain types of cancer after taking Belviq, this may form the basis of your claim. The most commonly reported cancers linked to the drug include:
- Pancreatic cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Lung cancer
The timeline of your diagnosis is important. While not all cancers develop immediately, if you took Belviq and were later diagnosed—even months or years afterward—you may still be eligible. Your medical history will play a critical role in proving the potential connection.
3. You Haven’t Previously Settled a Claim
If you’ve already accepted a settlement or signed a waiver related to Belviq injuries, you may no longer be eligible to pursue a separate lawsuit. However, many people haven’t yet taken legal action—and if that’s you, the door is still open.
Also, if you are a surviving family member of someone who passed away after using Belviq and developing cancer, you may qualify to file a wrongful death claim on their behalf.
4. You’re Within the Statute of Limitations
Like all product liability cases, time matters. Each state has its own statute of limitations, which limits how long after your diagnosis (or your loved one’s death) you have to file a claim.
In some states, this may be as little as one year—so the sooner you speak with a legal professional, the better. A skilled Belviq lawsuit attorney can be helpful in determining your eligibility and ensuring that your claim is filed before important legal deadlines pass.
What Happens If You’re Eligible?
If you meet the above criteria, your next step is to consult with a product liability or mass tort attorney who has experience with pharmaceutical litigation. They can:
- Investigate your case.
- Gather medical and prescription records.
- Connect your cancer diagnosis with the timeline of Belviq use.
- Help estimate potential compensation for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, or wrongful death damages.
Most of these attorneys offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis—meaning they don’t get paid unless you win.
Final Thoughts
Belviq was marketed as a safe solution for weight loss. For many, it turned into a health nightmare. If you believe your cancer diagnosis may be connected to this now-recalled drug, don’t wait.
Understanding your eligibility is the first step toward getting the justice—and compensation—you may deserve. A knowledgeable attorney can help guide you through the process and protect your rights every step of the way.
