The FDA has issued a recall for Belviq weight loss pills after it was found that the drug may increase the risk of cancer. The recall applies to all products containing lorcaserin, the active ingredient in Belviq. This announcement comes just months after the FDA approved Belviq as the first new weight loss drug in over a decade.
Lorcaserin is a selective serotonin receptor agonist, which means that it binds to serotonin receptors and activates them. This increases the activity of serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in appetite control. Lorcaserin was approved by the FDA in 2012 as a treatment for obesity, and has been shown to be effective at promoting weight loss.
However, the FDA is now warning that lorcaserin may increase the risk of cancer. In particular, the drug may increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer, including pancreatic cancer. The FDA is advising healthcare providers to stop prescribing Belviq and to return any unused products to the manufacturer.
The Belviq recall is just the latest in a series of recalls for weight loss drugs. In March, the FDA recalled two products containing phentermine, a drug similar to lorcaserin. And in 2015, the FDA recalled weight loss supplements that contained sibutramine, a drug that was removed from the market in 2010 due to concerns about its safety.
So far, there is no evidence that lorcaserin increases the risk of cancer in patients who take it as prescribed. However, the FDA is advising caution until more information is available. Patients who are taking Belviq should consult their healthcare provider to discuss any potential risks.
The Belviq recall is a reminder that weight loss drugs should be taken with caution. All of the available weight loss drugs have potential side effects, and patients should always consult their healthcare provider before starting any new medication. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to weight loss, and the best way to lose weight is to eat a healthy diet and to exercise regularly.
