Lorcaserin Tablets In Pakistan | Weight Loss Tablets

Lorcaserin was a medication primarily used for weight loss. It was marketed under the brand name Belviq and worked by affecting serotonin receptors in the brain, helping to reduce appetite. By doing so, it helped people eat less and lose weight when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise.

However, as of 2020, Lorcaserin (Belviq) was withdrawn from the market by its manufacturer after concerns about an increased risk of cancer in patients taking the drug, based on findings from a clinical trial.

If you have a prescription for Lorcaserin or have been using it, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider to discuss alternatives for weight management or to address any other concerns you may have.

Indication:

Lorcaserin was approved for the chronic management of obesity in adults, as well as for overweight individuals with at least one weight-related condition (such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol). It was typically used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Mechanism of Action:

Lorcaserin worked by targeting serotonin receptors in the brain, specifically the 5-HT2C receptor. By activating this receptor, it was thought to promote feelings of fullness (satiety), helping patients eat less and thus reduce their calorie intake.

Dosage:

• The usual dosage was 10 mg taken twice a day (morning and evening).
• It could be taken with or without food.

Common Side Effects:

Some common side effects of Lorcaserin included:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Dry mouth
• Constipation

Serious Side Effects:

• Valvular heart disease (damage to heart valves)
• Serotonin syndrome (a potentially life-threatening condition if combined with other serotonergic drugs, such as certain antidepressants)
• Mental health issues (e.g., depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts)
• Cognitive impairment (memory and concentration problems)
• Increased risk of cancer: In 2020, data from a clinical trial showed a potential increased risk of cancer, which led to the withdrawal of Lorcaserin from the market.

Withdrawal from the Market:

In February 2020, the FDA requested that the manufacturer of Lorcaserin, Eisai Inc., voluntarily withdraw the drug from the market. This decision was made after the results of a study (the CAMELLIA-TIMI 61 trial) indicated an increased occurrence of cancer in patients taking the drug compared to those who did not.

Precautions and Warnings:

• Lorcaserin should not be taken by individuals who are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
• Caution was advised when using Lorcaserin in people with a history of heart disease or mental health issues.
• It should not be taken with other weight loss medications, as this could increase the risk of serious side effects.

Alternative Options:

After Lorcaserin's withdrawal, healthcare providers may recommend other options for weight loss, such as lifestyle modifications, other prescription weight loss medications (like orlistat or semaglutide), or surgical interventions, depending on the individual’s health needs.

If you were using Lorcaserin, it's important to contact your healthcare provider to discuss your options moving forward.