Why was lorcaserin (Belviq) removed from the market in 2020?

Lorcaserin (Belviq) was removed from the market primarily due to evidence indicating an increased incidence of malignancy among users. The drug, which was approved for weight management, initially presented a favorable safety profile in clinical trials. However, post-marketing studies revealed a concerning association between lorcaserin and the development of certain cancers. Specifically, data indicated that patients taking lorcaserin had a higher rate of diagnoses for different types of cancer compared to those not receiving the medication.

The decision to withdraw lorcaserin from the market was made after careful consideration of these findings, as the potential risk of malignancy outweighed the benefits of weight loss for many patients. This is particularly significant in the context of obesity treatment, where weighing the risks and benefits is crucial.

Understanding this context highlights the importance of ongoing safety evaluations during and after the approval of medications, as real-world data can reveal issues not fully addressed in initial trials.