Lorcaserin is a weight loss drug developed by Arena pharmaceuticals. The drug is claimed to be an effective weight loss drug but the FDA just rejected its approval for use in USA.
Lorcaserin was tested in the laboratory and shown to be an effective appetite suppression agent in animals. Clinical trials conducted by Arena pharmaceuticals revealed that the medication could help individuals lose an average of 4-8 pounds over 12 weeks. However, upon discontinuation of the medication, the lost weight was quickly regained. Subsequent studies confirmed that the drug could help obese patients rapidly lose weight but concern for its safety were raised during the trials.
The most common side effects were a headache, upper respiratory tract infections, sinusitis, depression, suicidal thoughts and anxiety. Moreover, other studies revealed that the drug was associated with cancer in rats.
There is also question that the drug may harm the heart.
When studies conducted by Arena were carefully reviewed by the FDA, it appeared that the weight loss was only marginal. The reason for the discrepancy is that Arena Pharmaceuticals had sponsored most of the previous investigations and thus, the drug was made to appear great. While experts from Arena continue to argue that the Lorcaserin is safe, the FDA has made it clear that the drug will not be available in the USA.
For the time being, eating less and more exercise is still the safest and most effective way to lose weight.
