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BELVIQ
(lorcaserin hydrochloride) Tablets
BELVIQ (lorcaserin hydrochloride) is a serotonin 2C receptor agonist for oral administration used for chronic weight management. Its chemical name is (R)-8-chloro-1-methyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3- benzazepine hydrochloride hemihydrate. The empirical formula is C11H15Cl2N•0.5H2O, and the molecular weight of the hemihydrate form is 241.16 g/mol. The structural formula is:
 |
Lorcaserin hydrochloride hemihydrate is a white to off-white powder with solubility in water greater than 400 mg/mL. Each BELVIQ tablet contains 10.4 mg of crystalline lorcaserin hydrochloride hemihydrate, equivalent to 10.0 mg anhydrous lorcaserin hydrochloride, and the following inactive ingredients: silicified microcrystalline cellulose; hydroxypropyl cellulose NF; croscarmellose sodium NF; colloidal silicon dioxide NF, polyvinyl alcohol USP, polyethylene glycol NF, titanium dioxide USP, talc USP, FD&C Blue #2 aluminum lake, and magnesium stearate NF.
BELVIQ is indicated as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adult patients with an initial body mass index (BMI) of:
The recommended dose of BELVIQ is 10 mg administered orally twice daily. Do not exceed recommended dose [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and PATIENT INFORMATION].
BELVIQ can be taken with or without food.
Response to therapy should be evaluated by week 12. If a patient has not lost at least 5% of baseline body weight, discontinue BELVIQ, as it is unlikely that the patient will achieve and sustain clinically meaningful weight loss with continued treatment [see Clinical Studies].
BMI is calculated by dividing weight (in kg) by height (in meters) squared.
A BMI chart for height in inches and weight in pounds is provided below:
Table 1: BMI Conversion Chart
| Weight | (lb) | 125 | 130 | 135 | 140 | 145 | 150 | 155 | 160 | 165 | 170 | 175 | 180 | 185 | 190 | 195 | 200 | 205 | 210 | 215 | 220 | 225 |
| (kg) | 56. 8 | 59. 1 | 61. 4 | 63. 6 | 65. 9 | 68. 2 | 70. 5 | 72. 7 | 75. 0 | 77. 3 | 79. 5 | 81. 8 | 84. 1 | 86. 4 | 88. 6 | 90. 9 | 93. 2 | 95. 5 | 97. 7 | 100. 0 | 102. 3 | |
| Height | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in) | (cm) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 58 | 147. 3 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 46 | 47 |
| 59 | 149. 9 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 46 |
| 60 | 152. 4 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 | 43 | 44 |
| 61 | 154. 9 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 | 43 |
| 62 | 157. 5 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41 |
| 63 | 160. 0 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 |
| 64 | 162. 6 | 22 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 |
| 65 | 165. 1 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 |
| 66 | 167. 6 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 36 |
| 67 | 170. 2 | 20 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 35 |
| 68 | 172. 7 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 34 |
| 69 | 175. 3 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 33 |
| 70 | 177. 8 | 18 | 19 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 32 |
| 71 | 180. 3 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 31 |
| 72 | 182. 9 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
| 73 | 185. 4 | 17 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 19 | 20 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 29 | 30 |
| 74 | 188. 0 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 29 |
| 75 | 190. 5 | 16 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 19 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 28 |
| 76 | 193. 0 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 20 | 21 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 27 |
BELVIQ is provided as blue, film-coated, 10 mg tablets. The tablets are round, biconvex, debossed with “A” on one side and “10” on the other side.
BELVIQ 10-mg tablets are supplied as blue-colored, round, biconvex, film-coated tablets debossed with “A” on one side and “10” on the other side and are available as follows:
NDC 62856-529-60 Bottle of 60
Store at 25°C (77°F): excursions permitted to 15-30°C (59-86°F) [see USP controlled room temperature].
Manufactured by : Arena Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Untere Brühlstrasse 4, CH-4800, Zofingen, Switzerland. Distributed by Eisai Inc., Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677. Revised: Nov 2016
The following important adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in labeling:
In the BELVIQ placebo-controlled clinical database of trials of at least one year in duration, of 6888 patients (3451 BELVIQ vs. 3437 placebo; age range 18-66 years, 79.3% women, 66.6% Caucasians, 19.2% Blacks, 11.8% Hispanics, 2.4% other, 7.4% type 2 diabetics), a total of 1969 patients were exposed to BELVIQ 10 mg twice daily for 1 year and 426 patients were exposed for 2 years.
In clinical trials of at least one year in duration, 8.6% of patients treated with BELVIQ prematurely discontinued treatment due to adverse reactions, compared with 6.7% of placebo-treated patients. The most common adverse reactions leading to discontinuation more often among BELVIQ treated patients than placebo were headache (1.3% vs. 0.8%), depression (0.9% vs. 0.5%) and dizziness (0.7% vs. 0.2%).
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
The most common adverse reactions for non-diabetic patients (greater than 5% and more commonly than placebo) treated with BELVIQ compared to placebo were headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, dry mouth, and constipation. The most common adverse reactions for diabetic patients were hypoglycemia, headache, back pain, cough, and fatigue. Adverse reactions that were reported by greater than or equal to 2% of patients and were more frequently reported by patients taking BELVIQ compared to placebo are summarized in Table 2 (non-diabetic subjects) and Table 3 (subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus).
Table 2: Adverse Reactions Reported by Greater Than or
Equal to 2% of BELVIQ Patients and More Commonly than with Placebo in Patients
without Diabetes Mellitus
| Adverse Reaction | Number of patients (%) | |
| BELVIQ 10 mg BID N=3195 |
Placebo N=3185 |
|
| Gastrointestinal Disorders | ||
| Nausea | 264 (8.3) | 170 (5.3) |
| Diarrhea | 207 (6.5) | 179 (5.6) |
| Constipation | 186 (5.8) | 125 (3.9) |
| Dry mouth | 169 (5.3) | 74 (2.3) |
| Vomiting | 122 (3.8) | 83 (2.6) |
| General Disorders And Administration Site Conditions | ||
| Fatigue | 229 (7.2) | 114 (3.6) |
| Infections And Infestations | ||
| Upper respiratory tract infection | 439 (13.7) | 391 (12.3) |
| Nasopharyngitis | 414 (13.0) | 381 (12.0) |
| Urinary tract infection | 207 (6.5) | 171 (5.4) |
| Musculoskeletal And Connective Tissue Disorders | ||
| Back pain | 201 (6.3) | 178 (5.6) |
| Musculoskeletal pain | 65 (2.0) | 43 (1.4) |
| Nervous System Disorders | ||
| Headache | 537(16.8) | 321 (10.1) |
| Dizziness | 270 (8.5) | 122 (3.8) |
| Respiratory, Thoracic And Mediastinal Disorders | ||
| Cough | 136 (4.3) | 109 (3.4) |
| Oropharyngeal pain | 111 (3.5) | 80 (2.5) |
| Sinus congestion | 93 (2.9) | 78 (2.4) |
| Skin And Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders | ||
| Rash | 67 (2.1) | 58 (1.8) |
Table 3: Adverse Reactions Reported by Greater Than or
Equal to 2% of BELVIQ Patients and More Commonly than with Placebo in Patients
with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
| Adverse Reaction | Number of patients (%) | |
| BELVIQ 10 mg BID N=256 |
Placebo N=252 |
|
| Gastrointestinal Disorders | ||
| Nausea | 24 (9.4) | 20 (7.9) |
| Toothache | 7 (2.7) | 0 |
| General Disorders And Administration Site Conditions | ||
| Fatigue | 19 (7.4) | 10 (4.0) |
| Peripheral edema | 12 (4.7) | 6 (2.4) |
| Immune System Disorders | ||
| Seasonal allergy | 8 (3.1) | 2 (0.8) |
| Infections And Infestations | ||
| Nasopharyngitis | 29 (11.3) | 25 (9.9) |
| Urinary tract infection | 23 (9.0) | 15 (6.0) |
| Gastroenteritis | 8 (3.1) | 5 (2.0) |
| Metabolism And Nutrition Disorders | ||
| Hypoglycemia | 75 (29.3) | 53 (21.0) |
| Worsening of diabetes mellitus | 7 (2.7) | 2 (0.8) |
| Decreased appetite | 6 (2.3) | 1 (0.4) |
| Musculoskeletal And Connective Tissue Disorders | ||
| Back pain | 30 (11.7) | 20 (7.9) |
| Muscle spasms | 12 (4.7) | 9 (3.6) |
| Nervous System Disorders | ||
| Headache | 37 (14.5) | 18 (7.1) |
| Dizziness | 18 (7.0) | 16 (6.3) |
| Psychiatric Disorders | ||
| Anxiety | 9 (3.5) | 8 (3.2) |
| Insomnia | 9 (3.5) | 6 (2.4) |
| Stress | 7 (2.7) | 3 (1.2) |
| Depression | 6 (2.3) | 5 (2.0) |
| Respiratory, Thoracic And Mediastinal Disorders | ||
| Cough | 21 (8.2) | 11 (4.4) |
| Vascular Disorders | ||
| Hypertension | 13 (5.1) | 8 (3.2) |
SSRIs, SNRIs, bupropion, tricyclic antidepressants, and MAOIs were excluded from the BELVIQ trials. Triptans and dextromethorphan were permitted: 2% and 15%, respectively, of patients without diabetes and 1% and 12%, respectively, of patients with type 2 diabetes experienced concomitant use at some point during the trials. Two patients treated with BELVIQ in the clinical program experienced a constellation of symptoms and signs consistent with serotonergic excess, including one patient on concomitant dextromethorphan who reported an event of serotonin syndrome. Some symptoms of possible serotonergic etiology that are included in the criteria for serotonin syndrome were reported by patients treated with BELVIQ and placebo during clinical trials of at least 1 year in duration. In both groups, chills were the most frequent of these events (1.0% vs. 0.2%, respectively), followed by tremor (0.3% vs. 0.2%), confusional state (0.2% vs. less than 0.1%), disorientation (0.1% vs. 0.1%) and hyperhidrosis (0.1% vs. 0.2%). Because serotonin syndrome has a very low incidence, an association between BELVIQ and serotonin syndrome cannot be excluded on the basis of clinical trial results [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
In a clinical trial of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypoglycemia requiring the assistance of another person occurred in 4 (1.6%) of BELVIQ-treated patients and in 1 (0.4%) placebo-treated patient. Of these 4 BELVIQ-treated patients, all were concomitantly using a sulfonylurea (with or without metformin). BELVIQ has not been studied in patients taking insulin. Hypoglycemia defined as blood sugar less than or equal to 65 mg/dL and with symptoms occurred in 19 (7.4%) BELVIQ-treated patients and 16 (6.3%) placebo-treated patients.
In clinical trials of at least 1-year duration, adverse reactions related to cognitive impairment (e.g., difficulty with concentration/attention, difficulty with memory, and confusion) occurred in 2.3% of patients taking BELVIQ and 0.7% of patients taking placebo.
Psychiatric disorders leading to hospitalization or drug withdrawal occurred more frequently in patients treated with BELVIQ (2.2%) as compared to placebo (1.1%) in non-diabetic patients.
Euphoria. In short-term studies with healthy individuals, the incidence of euphoric mood following supratherapeutic doses of BELVIQ (40 and 60 mg) was increased as compared to placebo [see Drug Abuse and Dependence]. In clinical trials of at least 1-year duration in obese patients, euphoria was observed in 0.17% of patients taking BELVIQ and 0.03% taking placebo.
Depression and Suicidality. In trials of at least one year in duration, reports of depression/mood problems occurred in 2.6% BELVIQ-treated vs. 2.4% placebo-treated and suicidal ideation occurred in 0.6% BELVIQ-treated vs. 0.4% placebo-treated patients. 1.3% of BELVIQ patients vs. 0.6% of placebo patients discontinued drug due to depression-, mood-, or suicidal ideation-related events.
Lymphocyte and Neutrophil Counts. In clinical trials of at least 1-year duration, lymphocyte counts were below the lower limit of normal in 12.2% of patients taking BELVIQ and 9.0% taking placebo, and neutrophil counts were low in 5.6% and 4.3%, respectively.
Hemoglobin. In clinical trials of at least 1-year duration, 10.4% of patients taking BELVIQ and 9.3% taking placebo had hemoglobin below the lower limit of normal at some point during the trials.
Prolactin. In clinical trials, elevations of prolactin greater than the upper limit of normal, two times the upper limit of normal, and five times the upper limit of normal, occurred in 6.7%, 1.7%, and 0.1% of BELVIQ-treated patients and 4.8%, 0.8%, and 0.0% of placebo-treated patients, respectively.
More patients on BELVIQ reported an eye disorder than patients on placebo in clinical trials of patients without diabetes (4.5% vs. 3.0%) and with type 2 diabetes (6.3% vs. 1.6%). In the population without diabetes, events of blurred vision, dry eye, and visual impairment occurred in BELVIQ-treated patients at an incidence greater than that of placebo. In the population with type 2 diabetes, visual disorders, conjunctival infections, irritations, and inflammations, ocular sensation disorders, and cataract conditions occurred in BELVIQ-treated patients at an incidence greater than placebo.
The possible occurrence of regurgitant cardiac valve disease was prospectively evaluated in 7794 patients in three clinical trials of at least one year in duration, 3451 of whom took BELVIQ 10 mg twice daily. The primary echocardiographic safety parameter was the proportion of patients who developed echocardiographic criteria of mild or greater aortic insufficiency and/or moderate or greater mitral insufficiency from baseline to 1 year. At 1 year, 2.4% of patients who received BELVIQ and 2.0% of patients who received placebo developed valvular regurgitation. The relative risk for valvulopathy with BELVIQ is summarized in Table 4. BELVIQ was not studied in patients with congestive heart failure or hemodynamically-significant valvular heart disease [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Table 4: Incidence of FDA-Defined Valvulopathy at Week
52 by Treatment Group1
| Stutuy 1 | Study 2 | Study 3 | ||||
| BELVIQ N=1278 |
Placebo N=1191 |
BELVIQ N=1208 |
Placebo N=1153 |
BELVIQ N=210 |
Placebo N=209 |
|
| FDA-defined Valvulopathy, n (%) | 34 (2.7) | 28 (2.4) | 24 (2.0) | 23 (2.0) | 6 (2.9) | 1 (0.5) |
| Relative Risk (95% CI) | 1.13 (0.69, 1.85) | 1.00 (0.57, 1.75) | 5.97 (0.73, 49.17) | |||
| Pooled RR (95% CI) | 1.16 (0.81, 1.67) | |||||
| 1Patients without valvulopathy at baseline who received study medication and had a post-baseline echocardiogram; ITT-intention-to-treat; LOCF-last observation carried forward | ||||||
The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of lorcaserin. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Immune System Disorders: drug hypersensitivity
Based on the mechanism of action of BELVIQ and the theoretical potential for serotonin syndrome, use with extreme caution in combination with other drugs that may affect the serotonergic neurotransmitter systems, including, but not limited to, triptans, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs, including linezolid, an antibiotic which is a reversible non-selective MAOI), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), dextromethorphan, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), bupropion, lithium, tramadol, tryptophan, and St. John's Wort [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Use caution when administering BELVIQ together with drugs that are CYP 2D6 substrates, as BELVIQ can increase exposure of these drugs [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
BELVIQ is listed in Schedule IV of the Controlled Substances Act.
In a human abuse potential study in recreational drug abusers, supratherapeutic oral doses of lorcaserin (40 and 60 mg) produced up to two- to six-fold increases on measures of “High”, “Good Drug Effects”, “Hallucinations” and “Sedation” compared to placebo. These responses were similar to those produced by oral administration of the positive control drugs, zolpidem (15 and 30 mg) and ketamine (100 mg). In this study, the incidence of the adverse reaction of euphoria following lorcaserin administration (40 and 60 mg; 19%) is similar to the incidence following zolpidem administration (13- 16%), but less than the incidence following ketamine administration (50%). The duration of euphoria following lorcaserin administration persisted longer ( > 9 hours) than that following zolpidem (1.5 hours) or ketamine (2.5 hours) administration.
Overall, in short-term studies with healthy individuals, the rate of euphoria following oral administration of lorcaserin was 16% following 40 mg (n = 11 of 70) and 19% following 60 mg (n = 6 of 31). However, in clinical studies with obese patients with durations of 4 weeks to 2 years, the incidence of euphoria and hallucinations following oral doses of lorcaserin up to 40 mg was low ( < 1.0%).
There are no data from well-conducted animal or human studies that evaluate whether lorcaserin can induce physical dependence, as evidenced by a withdrawal syndrome. However, the ability of lorcaserin to produce hallucinations, euphoria, and positive subjective responses at supratherapeutic doses suggests that lorcaserin may produce psychic dependence.
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
BELVIQ is a serotonergic drug. The development of a potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome or Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)-like reactions have been reported during use of serotonergic drugs, including, but not limited to, selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), bupropion, triptans, dietary supplements such as St. John's Wort and tryptophan, drugs that impair metabolism of serotonin (including monoamine oxidase inhibitors [MAOIs]), dextromethorphan, lithium, tramadol, antipsychotics or other dopamine antagonists, particularly when used in combination [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Serotonin syndrome symptoms may include mental status changes (e.g., agitation, hallucinations, coma), autonomic instability (e.g., tachycardia, labile blood pressure, hyperthermia), neuromuscular aberrations (e.g., hyperreflexia, incoordination) and/or gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). Serotonin syndrome, in its most severe form, can resemble neuroleptic malignant syndrome, which includes hyperthermia, muscle rigidity, autonomic instability with possible rapid fluctuation of vital signs, and mental status changes. Patients should be monitored for the emergence of serotonin syndrome or NMS-like signs and symptoms.
The safety of BELVIQ when coadministered with other serotonergic or antidopaminergic agents, including antipsychotics, or drugs that impair metabolism of serotonin, including MAOIs, has not been systematically evaluated and has not been established.
If concomitant administration of BELVIQ with an agent that affects the serotonergic neurotransmitter system is clinically warranted, extreme caution and careful observation of the patient is advised, particularly during treatment initiation and dose increases. Treatment with BELVIQ and any concomitant serotonergic or antidopaminergic agents, including antipsychotics, should be discontinued immediately if the above events occur and supportive symptomatic treatment should be initiated [see ADVERSE REACTIONS and DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Regurgitant cardiac valvular disease, primarily affecting the mitral and/or aortic valves, has been reported in patients who took serotonergic drugs with 5-HT2B receptor agonist activity. The etiology of the regurgitant valvular disease is thought to be activation of 5-HT2B receptors on cardiac interstitial cells. At therapeutic concentrations, BELVIQ is selective for 5-HT2C receptors as compared to 5- HT2B receptors. In clinical trials of 1-year duration, 2.4% of patients receiving BELVIQ and 2.0% of patients receiving placebo developed echocardiographic criteria for valvular regurgitation at one year (mild or greater aortic regurgitation and/or moderate or greater mitral regurgitation): none of these patients was symptomatic [see ADVERSE REACTIONS see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
BELVIQ has not been studied in patients with congestive heart failure or hemodynamically-significant valvular heart disease. Preliminary data suggest that 5HT2B receptors may be overexpressed in congestive heart failure, Therefore, BELVIQ should be used with caution in patients with congestive heart failure.
BELVIQ should not be used in combination with serotonergic and dopaminergic drugs that are potent 5- HT2B receptor agonists and are known to increase the risk for cardiac valvulopathy (e.g., cabergoline).
Patients who develop signs or symptoms of valvular heart disease, including dyspnea, dependent edema, congestive heart failure, or a new cardiac murmur while being treated with BELVIQ should be evaluated and discontinuation of BELVIQ should be considered.
In clinical trials of at least one year in duration, impairments in attention and memory were reported adverse reactions associated with 1.9% of patients treated with BELVIQ and 0.5% of patients treated with placebo, and led to discontinuation in 0.3% and 0.1% of these patients, respectively. Other reported adverse reactions associated with BELVIQ in clinical trials included confusion, somnolence, and fatigue [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Since BELVIQ has the potential to impair cognitive function, patients should be cautioned about operating hazardous machinery, including automobiles, until they are reasonably certain that BELVIQ therapy does not affect them adversely [see PATIENT INFORMATION].
Events of euphoria, hallucination, and dissociation were seen with BELVIQ at supratherapeutic doses in short-term studies [see ADVERSE REACTIONS, Drug Abuse and Dependence, and OVERDOSAGE]. In clinical trials of at least 1-year in duration, 6 patients (0.2%) treated with BELVIQ developed euphoria, as compared with 1 patient ( < 0.1%) treated with placebo. Doses of BELVIQ should not exceed 10 mg twice a day.
Some drugs that target the central nervous system have been associated with depression or suicidal ideation. Patients treated with BELVIQ should be monitored for the emergence or worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior, and/or any unusual changes in mood or behavior. Discontinue BELVIQ in patients who experience suicidal thoughts or behaviors [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Weight loss may increase the risk of hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with insulin and/or insulin secretagogues (e.g., sulfonylureas); hypoglycemia was observed in clinical trials with BELVIQ. BELVIQ has not been studied in combination with insulin. Measurement of blood glucose levels prior to starting BELVIQ and during BELVIQ treatment is recommended in patients with type 2 diabetes. Decreases in medication doses for anti-diabetic medications which are non-glucosedependent should be considered to mitigate the risk of hypoglycemia. If a patient develops hypoglycemia after starting BELVIQ, appropriate changes should be made to the anti-diabetic drug regimen [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Priapism (painful erections greater than 6 hours in duration) is a potential effect of 5-HT2C receptor agonism.
If not treated promptly, priapism can result in irreversible damage to the erectile tissue. Men who have an erection lasting greater than 4 hours, whether painful or not, should immediately discontinue the drug and seek emergency medical attention.
BELVIQ should be used with caution in men who have conditions that might predispose them to priapism (e.g., sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia), or in men with anatomical deformation of the penis (e.g., angulation, cavernosal fibrosis, or Peyronie's disease). There is limited experience with the combination of BELVIQ and medication indicated for erectile dysfunction (e.g., phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors). Therefore, the combination of BELVIQ and these medications should be used with caution.
In clinical trials of at least 1-year in duration, the mean change in heart rate (HR) was -1.2 beats per minute (bpm) in BELVIQ and -0.4 bpm in placebo-treated patients without diabetes and -2.0 beats per minute (bpm) in BELVIQ and -0.4 bpm in placebo-treated patients with type 2 diabetes. The incidence of HR less than 50 bpm was 5.3% in BELVIQ and 3.2% in placebo-treated patients without diabetes and 3.6% in BELVIQ and 2.0% in placebo-treated patients with type 2 diabetes. In the combined population, adverse reactions of bradycardia occurred in 0.3% of BELVIQ and 0.1% of placebo-treated patients. Use with caution in patients with bradycardia or a history of heart block greater than first degree.
In clinical trials of at least one year in duration, adverse reactions of decreases in white blood cell count (including leukopenia, lymphopenia, neutropenia, and decreased white cell count) were reported in 0.4% of patients treated with BELVIQ as compared to 0.2% of patients treated with placebo. Adverse reactions of decreases in red blood cell count (including anemia and decreases in hemoglobin and hematocrit) were reported by 1.3% of patients treated with BELVIQ as compared to 1.2% treated with placebo [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Consider periodic monitoring of complete blood count during treatment with BELVIQ.
Lorcaserin moderately elevates prolactin levels. In a subset of placebo-controlled clinical trials of at least one year in duration, elevations of prolactin greater than the upper limit of normal, two times the upper limit of normal, and five times the upper limit of normal, measured both before and 2 hours after dosing, occurred in 6.7%, 1.7%, and 0.1% of BELVIQ-treated patients and 4.8%, 0.8%, and 0.0% of placebo-treated patients, respectively [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Prolactin should be measured when symptoms and signs of prolactin excess are suspected (e.g., galactorrhea, gynecomastia). There was one patient treated with BELVIQ who developed a prolactinoma during the trial. The relationship of BELVIQ to the prolactinoma in this patient is unknown.
Certain centrally-acting weight loss agents that act on the serotonin system have been associated with pulmonary hypertension, a rare but lethal disease. Because of the low incidence of this disease, the clinical trial experience with BELVIQ is inadequate to determine if BELVIQ increases the risk for pulmonary hypertension.
See FDA-approved patient labeling (PATIENT INFORMATION).
Lorcaserin hydrochloride was not mutagenic in an in vitro bacterial mutation assay (Ames test), was not clastogenic in an in vitro chromosome aberration assay in Chinese hamster ovary cells, and was not genotoxic in an in vivo micronucleus assay in rat bone marrow.
The carcinogenic potential of lorcaserin hydrochloride was assessed in two-year carcinogenicity studies in mice and rats. CD-1 mice received doses of 5, 25 and 50 mg/kg. There were no treatmentrelated increases in the incidence of any tumor in mice at doses that produced plasma exposure in males and females of 8 and 4-times the daily human clinical dose, respectively.
In the rat carcinogenicity study, male and female Sprague-Dawley rats received 10, 30, and 100 mg/kg lorcaserin hydrochloride. In females, mammary adenocarcinoma increased at 100 mg/kg, which was associated with plasma exposures that were 87-times the daily human clinical dose. The incidence of mammary fibroadenoma was increased in female rats at all doses with no safety margin to the clinical dose. The increases in adenocarcinomas and fibroadenomas may be associated with lorcaserin hydrochloride-induced changes in prolactin homeostasis in rats. The relevance of the increased incidence of mammary adenocarcinomas and fibroadenomas in rats to humans is unknown.
In male rats, treatment-related neoplastic changes were observed in the subcutis (fibroadenoma, Schwannoma), the skin (squamous cell carcinoma), mammary gland (adenocarcinoma and fibroadenoma), and the brain (astrocytoma) at greater than or equal to 30 mg/kg (plasma exposure 17-times human clinical dose). At higher exposure, liver adenoma and thyroid follicular cell adenoma were increased but were considered secondary to liver enzyme induction in rats and are not considered relevant to humans. Human brain exposure (AUC24h,ss) to lorcaserin at the clinical dose is estimated to be 70-fold lower than brain exposure in rats at the dose at which no increased incidence of astrocytoma was observed. Excluding the liver and thyroid tumors, these neoplastic findings in male rats are of unknown relevance to humans.
Potential effects on fertility were assessed in Sprague-Dawley rats in which males were dosed with lorcaserin hydrochloride for 4 weeks prior to and through the mating period, and females were dosed for 2 weeks prior to mating and through gestation day 7. Lorcaserin hydrochloride had no effects on fertility in rats at exposures up to 29 times the human clinical dose.
Pregnancy Category X.
BELVIQ is contraindicated during pregnancy, because weight loss offers no potential benefit to a pregnant woman and may result in fetal harm. Maternal exposure to lorcaserin in late pregnancy in rats resulted in lower body weight in offspring which persisted to adulthood. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard of maternal weight loss to the fetus.
A minimum weight gain, and no weight loss, is currently recommended for all pregnant women, including those who are already overweight or obese, due to the obligatory weight gain that occurs in maternal tissues during pregnancy.
Reproduction studies were performed in pregnant rats and rabbits that were administered lorcaserin during the period of embryofetal organogenesis. Plasma exposures up to 44 and 19 times human exposure in rats and rabbits, respectively, did not reveal evidence of teratogenicity or embryolethality with lorcaserin hydrochloride.
In a pre- and postnatal development study, maternal rats were dosed from gestation through post-natal day 21 at 5, 15, and 50mg/kg lorcaserin; pups were indirectly exposed in utero and throughout lactation. The highest dose (~44 times human exposure) resulted in stillborns and lower pup viability. All doses lowered pup body weight similarly at birth which persisted to adulthood; however, no developmental abnormalities were observed and reproductive performance was not affected at any dose.
It is not known whether BELVIQ is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
The safety and effectiveness of BELVIQ in pediatric patients below the age of 18 have not been established and the use of BELVIQ is not recommended in pediatric patients.
In the BELVIQ clinical trials, a total of 135 (2.5%) of the patients were 65 years of age and older.
Clinical studies of BELVIQ did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.
Since elderly patients have a higher incidence of renal impairment, use of BELVIQ in the elderly should be made on the basis of renal function [see Use in Specific Populations and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. Elderly patients with normal renal function should require no dose adjustment.
No dose adjustment of BELVIQ is required in patients with mild renal impairment. Use BELVIQ with caution in patients with moderate renal impairment. Use of BELVIQ in patients with severe renal impairment or end stage renal disease is not recommended [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Dose adjustment is not required for patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score 5-6) to moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score 7-9). The effect of severe hepatic impairment on lorcaserin was not evaluated. Use lorcaserin with caution in patients with severe hepatic impairment [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
No experience with overdose of BELVIQ is available. In clinical studies that used doses that were higher than the recommended dose, the most frequent adverse reactions associated with BELVIQ were headache, nausea, abdominal discomfort, and dizziness. Single 40- and 60-mg doses of BELVIQ caused euphoria, altered mood, and hallucination in some subjects. Treatment of overdose should consist of BELVIQ discontinuation and general supportive measures in the management of overdosage. BELVIQ is not eliminated to a therapeutically significant degree by hemodialysis.
Lorcaserin is believed to decrease food consumption and promote satiety by selectively activating 5-HT2C receptors on anorexigenic pro-opiomelanocortin neurons located in the hypothalamus. The exact mechanism of action is not known.
Lorcaserin at the recommended daily dose selectively interacts with 5-HT2C receptors as compared to 5-HT2A and 5-HT2B receptors (see Table 5), other 5-HT receptor subtypes, the 5-HT receptor transporter, and 5-HT reuptake sites.
Table 5: Lorcaserin Potency (EC50) and Binding
Affinity (Ki) to Human 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, and 5-HT2C Receptor Subtypes
| Serotonin Receptor Subtype | EC50, nM | Ki, nM |
| 5HT2C | 39 | 13 |
| 5HT2B | 2380 | 147 |
| 5HT2A | 553 | 92 |
The effect of multiple oral doses of lorcaserin 15 mg and 40 mg once daily on QTc interval was evaluated in a randomized, placebo- and active- (moxifloxacin 400 mg) controlled four-treatment arm parallel thorough QT study in 244 healthy subjects. In a study with demonstrated ability to detect small effects, the upper bound of the one-sided 95% confidence interval for the largest placebo adjusted, baseline-corrected QTc based on individual correction method (QTcI) was below 10 ms, the threshold for regulatory concern.
Lorcaserin is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract with peak plasma concentration occurring 1.5 - 2 hours after oral dosing. The absolute bioavailability of lorcaserin has not been determined. Lorcaserin has a plasma half life of ~11 hours; steady state is reached within 3 days after twice daily dosing, and accumulation is estimated to be approximately 70%.
Effect Of Food. Twelve adult volunteers (6 men and 6 women) were given a single 10 mg oral dose of BELVIQ in a fasted state and after administration of a high fat (approximately 50% of total caloric content of the meal) and high-calorie (approximately 800-1000 calories) meal. The Cmax increased approximately 9% and exposure (AUC) increased approximately 5% under fed conditions. Tmax was delayed approximately 1 hour in the fed state. BELVIQ can be administered with or without food.
Lorcaserin distributes to the cerebrospinal fluid and central nervous system in humans. Lorcaserin hydrochloride is moderately bound (~70%) to human plasma proteins.
Lorcaserin is extensively metabolized in the liver by multiple enzymatic pathways. After oral administration of BELVIQ, the major circulating metabolite is lorcaserin sulfamate (M1), with a plasma Cmax that exceeds lorcaserin Cmax by 1- to 5-fold. N-carbamoyl glucuronide lorcaserin (M5) is the major metabolite in urine; M1 is a minor metabolite in urine, representing approximately 3% of dose. Other minor metabolites excreted in urine were identified as glucuronide or sulfate conjugates of oxidative metabolites. The principal metabolites exert no pharmacological activity at serotonin receptors.
Elimination
Lorcaserin is extensively metabolized by the liver and the metabolites are excreted in the urine. In a human mass balance study in which healthy subjects ingested radiolabeled lorcaserin, 94.5% of radiolabeled material was recovered, with 92.3% and 2.2% recovered from urine and feces, respectively.
Renal Impairment. The disposition of lorcaserin was studied in patients with varying degrees of renal function. Creatinine clearance (CLcr) was calculated by Cockgroft-Gault equation based on ideal body weight (IBW). Impaired renal function decreased Cmax of lorcaserin, with no change in AUC.
Exposure of lorcaserin sulfamate metabolite (M1) was increased in patients with impaired renal function by approximately 1.7-fold in mild (CLcr = 50-80 mL/min), 2.3-fold in moderate (CLcr = 30-50 mL/min) and 10.5-fold in severe renal impairment (CLcr = < 30 mL/min) compared to normal subjects (CLcr > 80 mL/min).
Exposure of the N-carbamoyl-glucuronide metabolite (M5) was increased in patients with impaired renal function by approximately 1.5-fold in mild (CLcr = 50-80 mL/min), 2.5-fold in moderate (CLcr = 30-50 mL/min) and 5.1-fold in severe renal impairment (CLcr = < 30 mL/min) compared to normal subjects (CLcr > 80 mL/min).
The terminal half-life of M1 is prolonged by 26%, 96%, and 508% in mild, moderate, and severe renal impairment, respectively. The terminal half-life of M5 is prolonged by 0%, 26%, and 22% in mild, moderate, and severe renal impairment, respectively. The metabolites M1 and M5 accumulate in patients with severely impaired renal function.
Approximately 18% of metabolite M5 in the body was cleared from the body during a standard 4-hour hemodialysis procedure. Lorcaserin and M1 were not cleared by hemodialysis. Lorcaserin is not recommended for patients with severe renal impairment (CLcr < 30 mL/min) or patients with end stage renal disease [see Use in Specific Populations].
Estimate Ideal Body Weight (IBW) in (kg)
Males: IBW = 50 kg + 2.3 kg for each inch over 5 feet.
Females: IBW = 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg for each inch over 5 feet.
The Cockcroft-Gault calculation using the IBW:
female : GFR (mL/min) = 0.85 x (140-age) xideal body weight (kg)/72 x serum creatinine (mg/dL)
male : GFR (mL/min) = (140-age) x ideal body weight (kg)/ 72 x serum creatinine (mg/dL)
Hepatic Impairment. The disposition of lorcaserin was evaluated in patients with hepatic impairment and subjects with normal hepatic function. Lorcaserin Cmax was 7.8% and 14.3% lower, in subjects with mild (Child-Pugh score 5-6) and moderate (Child-Pugh score 7-9) hepatic impairment, respectively, than that in subjects with normal hepatic function. The half-life of lorcaserin is prolonged by 59% to 19 hours in patients with moderate hepatic impairment. Lorcaserin exposure (AUC) is approximately 22% and 30% higher in patients with mild and moderate hepatic impairment, respectively. Dose adjustment is not required for patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment. The effect of severe hepatic impairment on lorcaserin was not evaluated [see Use in Specific Populations].
Gender. No dosage adjustment based on gender is necessary. Gender did not meaningfully affect the pharmacokinetics of lorcaserin.
Geriatric. No dosage adjustment is required based on age alone. In a clinical trial of 12 healthy elderly (age greater than 65 years) subjects and 12 matched adult patients, lorcaserin exposure (AUC and Cmax) was equivalent in the two groups. Cmax was approximately 18% lower in the elderly group, and Tmax was increased from 2 hours to 2.5 hours in the elderly group as compared to the non-elderly adult group.
Race. No dosage adjustment based on race is necessary. Race did not meaningfully affect the pharmacokinetics of lorcaserin.
Lorcaserin inhibits CYP 2D6-mediated metabolism. In a clinical trial in 21 CYP 2D6 extensive metabolizers, concomitant administration of lorcaserin (10 mg BID for 4 days) increased dextromethorphan peak concentrations (Cmax) by approximately 76% and exposure (AUC) by approximately 2-fold [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
The safety and efficacy of BELVIQ for chronic weight management in conjunction with reduced caloric intake and increased physical activity were evaluated in 3 randomized, double-blind, placebocontrolled trials with durations ranging from 52 to 104 weeks. Two trials in adults without type 2 diabetes mellitus (Study 1 and Study 2) and one study in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (Study 3) evaluated the effect of BELVIQ 10 mg twice daily. The primary efficacy parameter in these studies was weight loss at 1 year, which was assessed by percent of patients achieving greater than or equal to 5% weight loss, percent of patients achieving greater than or equal to 10% weight loss, and mean weight change. All patients received one-on-one instruction for a reduced-calorie diet and exercise counseling that began with the first dose of study medication and continued every four weeks throughout the trial.
Study 1 was a 2-year study that enrolled 3182 patients who were obese (BMI 30-45 kg/m²), or who were overweight (BMI 27-29.9 kg/m²) and had at least one weight-related comorbid condition such as hypertension or dyslipidemia. In Year 2, placebo patients were continued on placebo and BELVIQ patients were re-randomized in a 2:1 ratio to continue BELVIQ or to switch to placebo. The mean age was 44 (range 18-65); 83.5% were women. Sixty-seven percent were Caucasian, 19% were African American and 12% were Hispanic. Mean baseline body weight was 100.0 kg and mean BMI was 36.2 kg/m².
Study 2 was a 1-year study that enrolled 4008 patients who were obese (BMI 30-45 kg/m²) or were overweight (BMI 27-29.9 kg/m²) with at least one comorbid condition such as hypertension or dyslipidemia. The mean age was 44 (range 18-65); 80% were women. Sixty-seven percent were Caucasian, 20% were African American and 11% were Hispanic. Mean baseline body weight was 100.2 kg and mean BMI was 35.9 kg/m².
Study 3 was a 1-year study that enrolled 604 adult patients with BMI greater than or equal to 27 kg/m² and inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes (HbA1c range 7-10%) being treated with metformin and/or a sulfonylurea. Mean age was 53 (range 21-65); 54% were women. Sixty-one percent were Caucasian, 21% African American and 14% were Hispanic. Mean BMI was 36 kg/m and mean HbA1C was 8.1%.
A substantial percentage of randomized subjects withdrew from each study prior to week 52: 50% in Study 1, 45% in Study 2 and 36% in Study 3.
Weight loss at 1 year in Studies 1 and 2 is presented in Table 6. The pooled data are reflective of the individual study results.
Statistically significantly greater weight loss was achieved with BELVIQ compared to placebo at week 52. The Year 1 placebo-adjusted weight loss achieved in patients treated with BELVIQ was 3.3 kg by ITT/LOCF analysis. The time course of weight loss with BELVIQ and placebo through week 52 is depicted in Figure 1.
Patients who did not lose at least 5% of baseline body weight by week 12 were unlikely to achieve at least 5% weight loss at week 52.
Table 6: Weight Loss at 1 Year in Studies 1 and 2
Combined
| Weight (kg) | BELVIQ 10 mg BID N=3098 |
Placebo N=3038 |
| Baseline mean (SD) | 100.4 (15.7) | 100.2 (15.9) |
| Change from baseline (adjusted mean1) (SE) | -5.8 (0.1) | -2.5 (0.1) |
| Difference from placebo (adjusted mean1) (95% CI) | -3.3** (-3.6, -2.9) | |
| Percent change from baseline (adjusted mean1) (SE) | -5.8 (0.1) | -2.5 (0.1) |
| Difference from placebo (adjusted mean1) (95% CI) | -3.3** ( -3.6, -3.0) | |
| % of Patients losing greater than or equal to 5% body weight | 47.1 | 22.6 |
| Difference from placebo (95% CI) | 24.5** (22.2, 26.8) | |
| % of Patients losing greater than or equal to 10% body weight | 22.4 | 8.7 |
| Difference from placebo (95% CI) | 13.8** (12.0, 15.5) | |
| SD=Standard Deviation; SE=Standard Error; CI=Confidence
Interval Intent to Treat Population using last observation carried forward method; All patients who received study medication and had a post-baseline body weight. Forty-four percent (44%) of patients in Belviq and 51% in placebo dropped out before the 52-week endpoint. 1Least squares means adjusted for baseline value, treatment, study and treatment by study interaction. **p < 0.001 compared to placebo. Type 1 error was controlled across the three endpoints. |
||
Figure 1: Longitudinal Weight Change (kg) in Completer
Population: Studies 1 and 2
 |
The safety and efficacy of BELVIQ for weight management during 2 years of treatment were evaluated in Study 1. Of the 3182 patients who were randomized in Year 1, 1553 (48.8%) were randomized in Year 2. Patients in all three Year 2 patient groups (BELVIQ Year 1/ BELVIQ Year 2, BELVIQ Year 1/placebo Year 2, and placebo Year 1/placebo Year 2) regained weight in Year 2 but remained below their Year 1 mean baseline weight (Figure 2).
Figure 2: Body Weight Changes during Study 1 in the
Completers Population
 |
Changes in lipids, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, waist circumference, heart rate, and blood pressure with BELVIQ are shown in Table 7.
In a substudy of 154 patients conducted as part of Study 2, DEXA analysis showed a 9.9% reduction in fat mass from a baseline of 45.0 kg in patients treated with BELVIQ compared to a 4.6% reduction from a baseline of 44.5 kg in patients treated with placebo. The placebo-adjusted reduction in fat mass achieved on BELVIQ was -5.3%. Reductions in lean body mass were 1.9% and 0.3% from baseline values of 48.0 kg and 51.0 kg, respectively, for BELVIQ- and placebo-treated patients.
Table 7: Mean Changes in Cardiometabolic Parameters
and Waist Circumference in Year 1 of Studies 1 and 2
| BELVIQ N=3096 |
Placebo N=3039 |
BELVIQ minus Placebo (LSMean) | |||
| Baseline mg/dL | % change from Baseline (LSMean1) | Baseline mg/dL | % change from Baseline (LSMean) | ||
| Total Cholesterol | 194.4 | -0.9 | 194.8 | 0.4 | -1.2* |
| LDL Cholesterol | 114.3 | 1.6 | 114.1 | 2.9 | -1.3* |
| HDL Cholesterol | 53.2 | 1.8 | 53.5 | 0.6 | 1.2* |
| Triglycerides | 135.4 | -5.3 | 137.0 | -0.5 | -4.8 * |
| Baseline | change from Baseline (LSMean) | Baseline | change from Baseline (LSMean) | BELVIQ minus Placebo (LSMean) | |
| Systolic blood pressure (mmHg) | 121.4 | -1.8 | 121.5 | -1.0 | -0.7* |
| Diastolic blood pressure (mmHg) | 77.4 | -1.6 | 77.7 | -1.0 | -0.6 * |
| Heart Rate (bpm) | 69.5 | -1.2 | 69.5 | -0.4 | -0.8 |
| Fasting glucose (mg/dL) | 92.1 | -0.2 | 92.4 | 0.6 | -0.8 |
| Fasting insulin2 (pIU/mL) | 15.9 | -3.3 | 15.8 | -1.3 | -2.1* |
| Waist Circumference (cm) | 109.3 | -6.6 | 109.6 | -4.0 | -2.5 |
| 1Least squares means adjusted for baseline
value, treatment, study and treatment by study interaction 2Measured in Study 1 only (n=1538) *Statistically significant versus placebo based on the pre-specified gatekeeping method for controlling Type I error in key secondary endpoints. |
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Weight loss among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were treated with BELVIQ was statistically significantly greater than that among patients treated with placebo (Table 8).
Table 8: Weight Loss at 1 Year in Study 3 (Type 2
Diabetes Mellitus)
| BELVIQ 10 mg BID N=251 |
Placebo N=248 |
|
| Weight loss (kg) | ||
| Baseline mean (SD) | 103.5 (17.2) | 102.3 (18.0) |
| Change from baseline (adjusted mean1) (SE) | -4.7 (0.4) | -1.6 (0.4) |
| Difference from placebo (adjusted mean1) (95% CI) |
-3.1** (-4.0, -2.2) |
|
| Percent change from baseline (adjusted mean1) (SE) | -4.5 (0.4) | -1.5 (0.4) |
| Difference from placebo (adjusted mean1) (95% CI) | -3.1** (-3.9, -2.2) | |
| % of Patients losing greater than or equal to 5% body weight | 37.5 | 16.1 |
| Difference from placebo (95% CI) | 21.3** (13.8, 28.9) | |
| % of Patients losing greater than or equal to 10% body weight | 16.3 | 4.4 |
| Difference from placebo (95% CI) | 11.9** (6.7, 17.1) | |
| SD=Standard Deviation; SE=Standard Error; CI=Confidence
Interval Intent to Treat Population using last observation carried forward method; All patients who received study medication and had a post-baseline body weight. Thirty-four percent (34%) of patients in Belviq and 38% in placebo dropped out before the 52-week endpoint. 1Least squares means adjusted for baseline value, baseline HbA1c stratum and prior antihyperglycemic medication stratum. **p < 0.001 compared to placebo. Type 1 error was controlled across the three endpoints. |
||
Mellitus
Patients in Study 3 were taking either metformin and/or a sulfonylurea at study start, and had inadequate glycemic control (HbA1c range 7-10%). Changes in HbA1c and fasting glucose with BELVIQ use are shown in Table 9.
Table 9: Mean Changes in Cardiometabolic Parameters
and Waist Circumference in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
| BELVIQ N=256 |
Placebo N=252 |
BELVIQ minus Placebo (LSMean) | |||
| Baseline | Change from Baseline (LSMean1) | Baseline | Change from Baseline (LSMean) | ||
| HbA1C (%) | 8.1 | -0.9 | 8.0 | -0.4 | -0.5* |
| Fasting glucose (mg/dL) | 163.3 | -27.4 | 160.0 | -11.9 | -15.5* |
| Systolic blood pressure (mmHg) | 126.6 | -0.8 | 126.5 | -0.9 | 0.1 |
| Diastolic blood pressure (mmHg) | 77.9 | -1.1 | 78.7 | -0.7 | -0.4 |
| Heart Rate (bpm) | 72.3 | -2.0 | 72.7 | -0.4 | -1.6 |
| Baseline | % Change from Baseline (LSMean) | Baseline | % Change from Baseline (LSMean) | BELVIQ minus Placebo (LSMean) | |
| T otal Cholesterol (mg/dL) | 173.5 | -0.7 | 172.0 | -0.1 | -0.5 |
| LDL Cholesterol (mg/dL) | 95.0 | 4.2 | 94.6 | 5.0 | -0.8 |
| HDL Cholesterol (mg/dL) | 45.3 | 5.2 | 45.7 | 1.6 | 3.6 |
| Triglycerides (mg/dL) | 172.1 | -10.7 | 163.5 | -4.8 | -5.9 |
| Waist Circumference (cm) | 115.8 | -5.5 | 113.5 | -3.3 | -2.2 |
| Intent to Treat Population using last observation carried
forward method; All patients who received study medication and had a
post-baseline measurement. * Statistically significant versus placebo based on the pre-specified gatekeeping method for controlling Type I error in key secondary endpoints. 1Least squares means adjusted for baseline value, baseline HbA1c stratum and prior antihyperglycemic medication stratum. |
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BELVIQ®
(BEL-VEEK)
(lorcaserin hydrochloride) Tablets
Read the Patient Information that comes with BELVIQ before you start taking it and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This leaflet does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or treatment. If you have any questions about BELVIQ, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
What is BELVIQ?
BELVIQ is a prescription medicine that may help some obese adults or overweight adults who also have weight related medical problems lose weight and keep the weight off.
BELVIQ should be used with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity.
It is not known if BELVIQ is safe and effective when taken with other prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal weight loss products.
It is not known if BELVIQ changes your risk of heart problems or stroke or of death due to heart problems or stroke.
It is not known if BELVIQ is safe when taken with some other medicines that treat depression, migraines, mental problems, or the common cold (serotonergic or antidopaminergic agents).
It is not known if BELVIQ is safe and effective in children under 18 years old.
BELVIQ is a federally controlled substance (CIV) because it contains lorcaserin hydrochloride and may be abused or lead to drug dependence. Keep your BELVIQ in a safe place, to protect it from theft. Never give your BELVIQ to anyone else, because it may cause harm to them. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.
Who should not take BELVIQ?
Do not take BELVIQ if you:
What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking BELVIQ?
Before you take BELVIQ, tell your doctor if you:
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
BELVIQ may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how BELVIQ works.
Especially tell your doctor if you take medicines for depression, migraines or other medical conditions such as:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a list of these medicines, if you are not sure.
Know all the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your doctor and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.
How should I take BELVIQ?
What should I avoid while taking BELVIQ?
What are the possible side effects of BELVIQ?
BELVIQ may cause serious side effects, including:
BELVIQ and certain medicines for depression, migraine, the common cold, or other medical problems may affect each other causing serious or life-threatening side effects. Call your doctor right away if you start to have any of the following symptoms while taking BELVIQ:
The most common side effects of BELVIQ include:
Tell to your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
These are not all the possible side effects of BELVIQ. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How do I s tore BELVIQ?
Store BELVIQ at room temperature between 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C).
Safely throw away medicine that is out of date or no longer needed.
Keep BELVIQ and all medicines out of the reach of children.
General information about the safe and effective use of BELVIQ.
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use BELVIQ for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give BELVIQ to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them.
This Patient Information leaflet summarizes the most important information about BELVIQ. If you would like more information, talk with your doctor. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for information about BELVIQ that is written for health professionals.
For more information, go to www.BELVIQ.com Website or call 1-888-274-2378.
What are the ingredients in BELVIQ?
Active Ingredient: lorcaserin hydrochloride
Inactive Ingredients : silicified microcrystalline cellulose; hydroxypropyl cellulose NF; croscarmellose sodium NF; colloidal silicon dioxide NF; polyvinyl alcohol USP; polyethylene glycol NF; titanium dioxide USP; talc USP; FD&C Blue #2 aluminum lake; and magnesium stearate NF.
