Belviq (lorcaserin hydrochloride), a weight loss pill manufactured by the Swiss pharmaceutical company Arena, was approved for use by the FDA Wednesday. It is the first such pill to get federal approval in more than a decade.
The drug works by activating the serotonin 2C receptor in the brain, which simulates the sensation of fullness after eating small amounts of food.
"Obesity threatens the overall well being of patients and is a major public health concern," said an FDA rep.
"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."
In non-diabetic patients, Belviq may cause headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, dry mouth and constipation. In diabetic patients, side effects include low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), headache, back pain, cough and fatigue.
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