Weight-Loss Pill Wins US FDA Backing, The First In Over A Decade

Weight-Loss Pill Belviq Approved

Belviq, a weight-loss pill, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - the first weight-loss pill to be cleared in 13 years.

Manufactured by Arena Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Belviq (lorcaserin hydrochloride) has won approval for chronic weight management
which includes reduced-calorie diet and exercise.

The weight-loss drug is indicated for adults who are overweight or  are obese and who have at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure (hypertension), type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol (dyslipidemia).

"Obesity threatens the overall well being of patients and is a major public health concern," said Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. "The approval of this drug, used responsibly in combination with a healthy diet and lifestyle, provides a treatment option for Americans who are obese or are overweight and have at least one weight-related comorbid condition."

Belviq works by activating the serotonin 2C receptor in the brain. Activation of this receptor may help a person eat less and feel full after eating smaller amounts of food.

The anti-obesity drug is contraindicated with pregnancy. It may cause serious side effects, including serotonin syndrome, particularly when taken with certain medicines that increase serotonin levels or activate serotonin receptors. These include, but are not limited to, drugs commonly used to treat depression and migraine. Belviq may also cause disturbances in attention or memory.

The most common side effects of Belviq in non-diabetic patients are headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, dry mouth, and constipation, and in diabetic patients are low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), headache, back pain, cough, and fatigue.