New weight loss drug approved
Lorcaserin hydrochloride (Belviq) was recently approved by the FDA for chronic weight management in adults.
Lorcaserin hydrochloride (Belviq) was recently approved by the FDA for chronic weight management in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater, or adults with a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or greater who have at least one weight-related condition such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia.
Safety and efficacy were evaluated in three trials of nearly 8,000 obese and overweight patients who received a reduced-calorie diet and exercise counseling, according to an FDA press release. Compared with placebo, treatment for up to one year was associated with average weight loss of 3% to 3.7%. The most common side effects are headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, dry mouth and constipation in non-diabetic patients and hypoglycemia, headache, back pain, cough and fatigue in diabetic patients. The drug activates the serotonin C receptor and should not be used during pregnancy. Treatment may cause serious side effects, including serotonin syndrome.