Effective February 13, 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has requested that the manufacturer of Belviq, Belviq XR (lorcaserin) voluntarily withdraw the weight-loss drug from the U.S. market because a safety clinical trial shows an increased connection to cancer. The drug manufacturer, Eisai Inc, has submitted a request to voluntarily withdraw the drug.

This has transpired because it is believed that the risks of therapy significantly outweigh the benefits based on a completed review of results from a randomized clinical trial assessing safety.

What should you do if you are currently prescribed Belviq (lorcaserin)?

If you are currently talking lorcaserin, stop and speak with your health care professional about alternative weight-loss medicines and weight management programs. It’s best to dispose of unused lorcaserin using a drug take back location, but if you can’t get to one you can dispose of lorcaserin in your household trash. Be sure to follow these guidelines:

1. Mix the pills with an unappealing substance such as dirt, cat litter, or used coffee grounds; do not crush them.
2. Place the mixture in a container such as a sealed plastic bag.
3. Throw away the container in your trash at home.
4. Remove or delete all personal information on the prescription label of empty medicine bottles or packaging, then throw away or recycle them.

FDA is not recommending special screening for patients who have taken lorcaserin. If you have any questions, please talk to your health care professional.

For more information, visit the FDA’s website.

Source
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-requests-withdrawal-weight-loss-drug-belviq-belviq-xr-lorcaserin-market