Belviq (Lorcaserin) Cancer Lawsuit

Belviq (lorcaserin) weight-loss drug cancer lawsuit

Published: March 6, 2023 · Updated: June 18, 2026

▼ Allegations Only · Litigation Largely Wound Down

This page describes a drug recall and the related lawsuits. The statements below are unproven allegations. No manufacturer has been found liable, there is no certified class or approved settlement, and the litigation has largely wound down. This page is informational and is not legal or medical advice.

Status Largely Wound Down no MDL; individual state/federal cases · many firms no longer accepting new cases

Drug Belviq / lorcaserin Belviq, Belviq XR, and generic lorcaserin · made by Eisai Inc.

Recall February 2020 FDA-requested withdrawal over an increased cancer risk

Alleged Injury Cancer pancreatic, colorectal, lung, and other cancers

What Is This About?

Attorneys evaluated claims from individuals who were diagnosed with cancer after taking Belviq, Belviq XR, or another brand of lorcaserin. Belviq (generic name lorcaserin) was a popular prescription weight-loss drug made by Eisai Inc. to help people with obesity and weight-related health issues curb their appetite. A U.S. Food and Drug Administration safety trial concluded that the drug could increase the risk of several types of cancer, including pancreatic, lung, and colorectal cancer, and the FDA requested a full withdrawal of Belviq from the U.S. market in February 2020.

What Are the Risks Linked to Belviq?

In a five-year, double-blind study of about 12,000 patients, those taking Belviq were more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than those taking a placebo. The FDA stated that "a range of cancer types was reported, with several different types of cancers occurring more frequently in the lorcaserin group," including:

• Pancreatic cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Lung cancer

Lawsuits allege the manufacturer should be held accountable for selling a drug later found to carry this risk, and that those who developed cancer deserve compensation.

Who May Have Had a Claim?

Generally, a person may have had a Belviq claim if they were:

• Over the age of 18
• Diagnosed with cancer after taking Belviq, Belviq XR, or another brand of lorcaserin
• A surviving family member of a loved one who took the drug and was diagnosed with cancer

Successful drug-injury plaintiffs may recover past and future medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, funeral expenses in the event of death, and other costs associated with a cancer diagnosis.

Should I Stop Taking Belviq?

Belviq was withdrawn from the market in 2020, so it is no longer sold. Anyone with questions about a current or past medication should talk to a healthcare professional. This page is informational and is not medical advice.

Current Status of the Litigation

In April 2021, plaintiffs' lawyers asked the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation to consolidate Belviq cases into a federal MDL, but in August 2021 the panel declined, so claims have proceeded as individual cases in state and federal courts rather than in a centralized MDL. As of 2026, the litigation has largely wound down and many firms are no longer accepting new Belviq cases. State statutes of limitations may now bar many new claims, so anyone considering a claim should consult an attorney promptly to learn whether any window remains.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Belviq recalled?

In February 2020, the FDA requested the withdrawal of Belviq and Belviq XR (lorcaserin) from the U.S. market after a five-year safety trial of about 12,000 patients found that more people taking lorcaserin were diagnosed with cancer than those on placebo. The FDA reported a range of cancer types, including pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancer.

Who may have a Belviq cancer claim?

Generally, adults who took Belviq, Belviq XR, or another brand of lorcaserin and were later diagnosed with cancer, or families of those who died, may have had a claim. Eligibility always depended on the diagnosis, the exposure history, and the facts of each case.

What is the current status of the Belviq litigation?

In 2021, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation declined to consolidate Belviq cases into a federal MDL, so claims have proceeded as individual cases in state and federal courts. As of 2026, the litigation has largely wound down and many firms are no longer accepting new Belviq cases. State statutes of limitations may now bar many new claims.

Important Disclosures

This page is for general informational purposes and does not constitute medical or legal advice. You should consult a qualified attorney about your individual situation and a medical professional about your health. OpenClassActions.com is not a law firm and is not a claims administrator, and this page does not create an attorney-client relationship.

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