1. FDA Approved weight loss drug: Lorcaserin HCL
2. Quick Overview of Lorcaserin (846589-98-8)
3. Lorcaserin Mechanism of Action
4. How to Take Lorcaserin
5. Missed Dose
6. Overdose
7. Additional Tip-Offs When on Lorcaserin
8. Side Effects of Lorcaserin
9. Storage of Lorcaserin
10. Proper Disposal of Lorcaserin
11. Lorcaserin Reviews From Obeses
12. Lorcaserin supplement
13. Purchase Lorcaserin HCL Online
14. Summary On Lorcaserin HCL (Belviq)
FDA Approved weight loss drug: Lorcaserin HCL
Meta description
Are you looking for a safer way of losing body weight without kicking up a fuss about tedious and unproductive workouts? Try weight loss drug lorcaserin. Find out how effective the supplement is, lorcaserin mechanism of action, and why it won the approval of FDA.
Introduction
As at now, about 31% of the US population is either overweight or obese. Further statistics confirm that 69% of adults who are over 20 years are obese or overweight. Literally, this means that in every 10 adults within this age bracket, you can sample up to 6 victims. About 30% of high schoolers are either obese or overweight.
The only sure way to address obesity is through regular workouts, dietary plan, gastric band surgery, or use of weight-loss drugs. Although slimming pills are quite effective in shedding a few body pounds, they have been associated with heart valve damage. Besides, there have been several concerns about the possibilities of mental health issues.
Until 2012, lorcaserin supplement, also known as Belviq, was never a weight-loss prescription pill because of the unconfirmed health reasons. But then, a US research made on several people proved this pill to be safe and effective with no serious health implications on the human heart. Those using it can lose an average of 5 -10% of their body weight, on condition that they engage in physical activities and a low-calorie diet.
Obesity vs. Overweight
So, what’s the difference between obesity and overweight? If your body mass index (BMI) is over 30kg/m2, then you’re obese. If the value ticks between 25 and 29.9kg/m2, that’s being over-weight. How Does Synephrine HCL Work On Your Body?
The root cause of obesity is not quite clear but reasons revolve around genetic, metabolic, physiological, and behavioral factors. The complexity of this condition leads to diabetes mellitus, heart disease, hyperlipidemia, apnea, fatty liver disease, hypertension, and certain cancers.
US Study Unveils The Cardiovascular Safety of Lorcaserin
FDA did not just approve the use of lorcaserin supplement due to the public demand or its effectiveness in curbing obesity. The key factor that led to its endorsement is the major US study that was carried out in 3.3 years.
In reference to a study posted on The New England Journal of Medicine, lorcaserin proves to be a reliable drug for weight management for both obese and overweight patients.
The researchers randomly selected 12000 patients who were not only overweight but also victims of various cardiovascular conditions. From this group, some of the people were assigned to receive a daily lorcaserin dosage while the rest took a placebo.
After a year, 39% of the patients given lorcaserin and 17% of those in the placebo group recorded at least 5% of weight loss. As though that’s not enough, the lorcaserin group was at a lower risk of developing diabetes although some patents would end up with serious hypoglycemia.
When a comparison was made between the participants taking lorcaserin and those on a placebo, there were no records of increased cardiovascular issues on either group. Only that lorcaserin accelerates weight loss compared to other methods.
Lorcaserin and Heart Valve Disease
So, why did people buy the idea that lorcaserin is tied with heart valve damage? Let me explain…
There are 14 different types of 5-HT receptors in the human system. Being a serotonin 2C agonist, lorcaserin targets the 5-HT2C receptors of the central nervous system. But then, this receptor is correlated with 5-HT2B and 5-HT2A receptors.
This is to say that, if 5-HT2C is stimulated, the other receptors have an equal chance of being activated. This is quite common in serotonin weight-loss medications, hence, the prevalence of heart valve problems and pulmonary hypertension among the users.
In this case, the affinity of lorcaserin on 5-HT2C is 100x greater than on 5-HT2B receptors. The daily dose is responsible for the binding affinities. If you overdose, you’ll exceed the limit and the extra amount will have to bind to the rest of the receptors. Whereas the activation of 5-HT2B causes valvular heart disease, the stimulation of 5-HT2A leads to mood changes, feeling ‘high’, euphoria, and hallucinations.
Currently, weight loss drug lorcaserin is the only treatment that stimulates 5-HT2B without risking cardiovascular damages or pulmonary hypertension.
FDA Approval
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved the prescription of Belviq to US adult patients in 2012. This authorization occurred three years after Arena Pharmaceuticals and Eisai Inc. filed an NDA (New Drug Application) for Lorcaserin. It took FDA two years to vet the data, including the clinical case studies associated with lorcaserin, before giving the final judgement.
For almost two decades now, Belviq stands to be the first slimming pill to win the approval of FDA. Although it is a licensed prescription drug in the US, it has not yet been approved in Europe.
Quick Overview of Lorcaserin (846589-98-8)
Lorcaserin HCL(846589-98-8)
Lorcaserin hydrochloride is a raw material belonging to the class of serotonin receptor agonists. It is a chemical compound with CAS 846589-98-8
Let’s dive into a detailed description of this chemical…
Structural formula
| Product Name | Lorcaserin hydrochloride |
| Chemical name | (R)-8-Chloro-1-methyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine hydrochloride |
| CAS no. | 846589-98-8 |
| Melting point (°C) | 193 – 200 |
| pH | 4 – 6 |
| Purity | 99% |
| Appearance | White powder |
| Molecular weight | 232.15 |
| Molecular formula | C11H15Cl2N |
| Solubility (25°C) | · Water · DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) · Ethanol |
| Storage temperature | -20(°C) |
| Action | Serotonin 2C Receptor agonist |
| Usage | Adult weight management |
| Synonyms | · APD-356 · APD 356 · APD356 · Lorqess · Belviq · Belviq Xr · Lorcaserin HCL · UNII-0QJF08GDPE · (R)-8-Chloro-1-methyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine hydrochloride · (R)-1H-3-benzazepine, 8-chloro-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1-methyl-, hydrochloride |
Note that lorcaserin hydrochloride is a pharma-grade compound. Though readily available in most chemical stores, it should be used strictly for laboratory research, development, and drug discovery purposes. It is not for human use, and therefore, not eligible for selling to patients.
Lorcaserin HCL Safety Data Sheet
Hazard Description
In line with the GHS system of classification, lorcaserin hydrochloride is a category IV irritant. It bears the codes; H302, P264, P301, P312, and P330. It may be toxic through swallowing, inhalation, ingestion, or upon direct contact with the skin.
First Aid Measures
In case of lorcaserin ingestion, wash out the victim’s mouth with plenty of clean water. Continue with the rinsing for the next 15 minutes, on condition that the person is conscious. Don’t attempt to give any oral administration if someone is unconscious.
If the falls on the skin, flush with copious amounts of clean water and mild soap. If on the eye, use some running water to rinse them for about 15 minutes. Most well-equipped laboratories have installed safety showers and an eyewash for convenience when carrying out emergency response.
In case a victim inhales lorcaserin HCL, transfer them to a room with fresh air. If breathing becomes difficult, use artificial respiration and seek medical assistance.
Personal Protection
Wear a lab coat, safety glasses, and chemical-resistant gloves. Also, use a respirator, which has been certified by NIOSH.
Handling and storage
Do not inhale the, fumes, dust, spray, or any airborne substances in the laboratory. Limit the time of exposure as much as possible. During storage, ensure to store lorcaserin in a sealed container and lock it up securely away from other laboratory users.
Stability
Lorcaserin is stable under standard and controlled conditions. However, you should keep it away from strong oxidants as it may trigger product decomposition. The byproducts are oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen chloride.
Lorcaserin Mechanism of Action
Lorcaserin is a serotonin 2C receptor agonist. The drug has a high affinity for the human 5-HT2C. It targets specific chemicals in the hypothalamus, which are responsible for appetite.
Allow me to explain it scientifically… Belviq interacts with the Central Nervous System (CNS), specifically in the hypothalamus. The drug targets the 5-HT2C receptors, which are found on the pro-opiomelanocortin neurons within the arcuate nucleus. This action prompts the release of alpha-MSH, which is the hormone acting on melanocortin-4-receptors to suppress one’s appetite. This part of the brain regulates hunger such that when activated, it will signal the body that you’re full most of the time.
When taken, the drug decreases the consumption of food and brings about the feeling of satiation. Although you’ll still feed on a healthy low-calorie diet, Belviq will control your cravings. You will already be full upon eating so little. Guide on Ipamorelin Benefits and Ipamorelin Use
Being an appetite-suppressant, the treatment facilitates weight loss in obese and overweight patients. Besides, it helps manage certain weight-related conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and type II diabetes.
For this drug to be effective, one has to incorporate physical activities and a healthy dietary plan in their routine. There is no special diet to follow but sticking to low-calories can be beneficial. If you continually administer lorcaserin in a full year, you will lose an average of 3.5% of your initial body weight.
However, there are some rare cases whereby the drug has no slimming effects. Take, for example, you faithfully use the drug for almost three months, but there are no noticeable changes in your body. Well, this is the point where you should discontinue the treatment and save yourself from further frustrations. If you can’t lose some reasonable pounds by the twelfth week, there’s no hope of benefitting from the drug anymore.
How to Take Lorcaserin
As regulated by FDA standards, lorcaserin should only be taken by adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30kg/m2 and above. If you suffer from weight-related type II diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease, you are still eligible to use the drug on condition that your BMI is at least 27kg/m2.
Belviq Prescription Information
The patient should orally take one 10mg tablet twice a day as per the physician’s directions. Ideally, you should be administering the medication at well-defined time intervals. Swallow the tablet whole without chewing or crushing it. You can either take the lorcaserin dose with or without a meal depending on your preference or the doctor’s recommendation.
If you did not receive enough instructions from your physician, you can always confirm with the prescription label. Never take an overdose or anything less than what you’ve been prescribed since you might interfere with the results.
It is recommended to take Belviq throughout one’s lifetime so as to counter some of the weight-related diseases. Unless advised by your doctor, you should never stop the lorcaserin dosage.
Missed Dose
Did you miss a prescribed dose? Just take it immediately after this thought hits you. However, when it is already time for the next dosage, just continue with your regular schedule and forget about the missed dose.
Overdose
If you stuff yourself with more than a tablet of Belviq, you are likely to experience some serious symptoms and side effects thereafter. In case of an overdose, drop a line to a poison control center immediately before the drug starts taking its effects on you. The helpline number is 1-800-222-1222.
Some of the symptoms may include mood changes, dizziness, nausea, feeling high, stomach pain, headache, or hallucinations. In extreme cases such as seizures, breathing difficulties or collapsing, ring up 911 for emergency services. Why is Sibutramine so popular in weight loss?
There are a few cases where lorcaserin can be abused. High doses can cause the user to feel “high” and trigger hallucinations. It is habit-forming and therefore likely to cause drug dependence. Due to this, the Drug Enforcement Administration has classified it as a Schedule IV substance.
Special Precautions When on Lorcaserin Weight-loss Drug
Before Taking Lorcaserin (Belviq)
Possible Allergies
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any medications. With the help of a pharmacist, confirm from the instruction manual if the ingredients in lorcaserin may stimulate an allergic reaction.
Prescription Medications
If you are on some other treatment including, prescription, non-prescription, or herbal products, ensure to notify the pharmacist. This is vital as it helps establish the possibilities of drug-drug interactions and how it affects the pharmacodynamics of lorcaserin in the body. As a result, the doctor may be compelled to adjust your anti-diabetic drug dosage and keep a close watch on the side effects.
Pharmacologically, the drug interactions between Belviq and some other medicines can be life-threatening. The common examples are drugs prescribed for migraines, depression, cold, or mental illnesses. Here is a full list of the medications and drug ingredients to put in the picture;
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like nortriptyline, trimipramine, protriptyline, amitriptyline, doxepin, clomipramine, amoxapine, or imipramine
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine (Sarafem), sertraline, paroxetine (Paxil), escitalopram, citalopram, and fluvoxamine
- Tramadol
- Timolol
- Tamoxifen
- Ondansetron
- Mexiletine
- Dextromethorphan (common in cold medications)
- Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) including venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine
- Propafenone
- Metoprolol (Toprol)
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as linezolid, tranylcypromine, methylene blue, isocarboxazid, selegiline, and phenelzine
- Weight-loss medications such as St. John’s wort and tryptophan
- Treatment for dysfunction
- Diabetes prescriptions such as insulin
Note that lorcaserin causes weight loss to overweight patients. If you have diabetes type II, you’re in the offing of experiencing low blood sugar while taking the pill. Therefore, you ought to frequently monitor your blood sugar levels and keep in touch with your doctor in case there is need to change the dosage.
- Treatment for mental illness
- Drugs for managing migraine headaches including zolmitriptan, sumatriptan, rizatriptan, frovatriptan, almotriptan, naratriptan, and eletriptan (Relpax)
- Codeine (available in some cough and pain medications)
- Bupropion (Zyban, forfivo, aplenzin)
- Flecainide
- Lithium (Lithobid)
- Cabergoline
Other weight-loss supplements
Let the pharmacist know of any nutritional supplements, herbs, or weight-loss products you’re taking.
Pregnancy and nursing
Lorcaserin seems to be a great enemy for motherhood. The slimming tablet is not for you if you’re already pregnant or planning to conceive any sooner. This drug will likely harm your fetus leading to fetal abnormalities. Once you realize you’re pregnant while taking the dose, phone up your doctor immediately for some counsel.
So, why exactly is Belviq contraindicated on pregnancy? It’s because weight loss is a waste of time when pregnant. What is more, a study carried out in rats revealed that the offspring ends up having a low body weight in their entire lives.
It is also not advisable to breastfeed while on lorcaserin. Although there are no reliable reports to explain how the drug can pass through the breast milk and harm the baby, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Cardiovascular and blood cell conditions
In case you have some underlying heart problems and health issues relating to the blood cell, make sure to inform your doctor. These include;
- Leukemia (affecting the white blood cells)
- Multiple myelomas (in the plasma cells)
- Sickle cell anemia (affecting the shape of the red blood cells)
- Penis deformities (Peyronie’s disease, angulation, or cavernosal fibrosis)
- Irregular heartbeat
- Heart failure
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
When Taking Lorcaserin
Diet and exercise
Reduce calories in your meals and make an effort of exercising regularly. By doing so, boosts your health and accelerates the fat-burning process. Lorcaserin works better with physical activities.
Monitor your blood sugar
If you have type II diabetes, the weight-loss effects of lorcaserin may lead to low blood sugar levels. Always share your report with the doctor who will prescribe and adjust the dosage.
Keep up with your doctor’s appointments
At least, the doctor will check your progress with the drug, how responsive your system is, and also advise you accordingly.
Additional Tip-Offs When on Lorcaserin
- Swallow the whole lorcaserin tablet but do not chew, divide, or crush
- Do not increase the dosage. For Belviq, take one tablet twice daily but for Belviq XR, one tablet is enough once per day.
- Make sure to reveal to your pharmacist every medication, supplements, or products you’re taking before or while on Belviq
- Discontinue the use of lorcaserin if you have not achieved at least 5% weight loss after 12 weeks
- Avoid operating dangerous machinery or driving, since the medication may interfere with your concentration, memory, and the ability to pay attention. Only do so if you’re convinced that lorcaserin does not affect your mental state
- Do not take the medication if you’re pregnant
- Understand the lorcaserin risks of taking, its side effects, life-threatening reactions, and the benefits. If the symptoms become severe, seek medical attention
- By all means, avoid it while breastfeeding
- Do not use lorcaserinin combination with serotonergic drugs, dopamine antagonists, or other dietary supplements like tryptophan. The interaction between these drugs is likely to cause serotonin syndrome or symptoms similar to neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).
- If you have some underlying heart problems, speak to your doctor about the same prior to taking weight loss drug lorcaserin
- This medication is only recommended to obese patients and overweight people having a BMI of at least 27kg/m2and a weight-related comorbidity.
- Do not take lorcaserin if you’re obese but still a minor aged below 18 years
- Do not share this this pill with anyone else
Clinical Cautions and Lorcaserin Contraindications
Take lorcaserin at your own risk or with maximum caution when you have the following conditions;
- Severe renal impairment
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding mums
- Pediatric patients
- Hepatic impairment
- Hypersensitivity to lorcaserin ingredients
- History of bradycardia (slow heart rate of <50BPM)
- Congestive heart failure
When to stop taking lorcaserin;
- In case you develop signs of heart valve disease and congestive heart failure
- In adverse reactions and severe symptoms
- During pregnancy
- If the medication does not work at all, such that you can’t notice any difference after four months
- When your doctor advises you to stop
- The drug is affecting your blood count including the white blood cells, leukocytes, lymphocytes, and the neutrocytes
- Continuous suicidal behaviors, thoughts, or actions
- In case of an overdose
Side Effects of Lorcaserin
Just like most drugs, lorcaserin is likely to cause side effects. However, some of these symptoms may be temporary and would disappear as your body adjusts to the drug. In case a side effect persists, contact your pharmacist immediately.
Common but Minor Symptoms
- Headache
- Frequent, painful, or difficult urination
- Toothache
- Dry eyes
- Vision changes such as blurriness
- Anxiety
- Cough
- Sleep disorder such as difficulties in falling or staying asleep
- Dizziness
- Back pains
- Muscle pains
- Constipation
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Dry mouth
Acute symptoms
In rare cases, the side effects may become severe, hence, calling for emergency medical attention. They include;
- Hallucinations (seeing or hearing non-existent things)
- Feeling high
- Sudden mood changes
- Muscle twitching, stiffness, or spasms
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Breathing difficulties
- Amnesia (temporary loss of memory)
- Suicidal thoughts and attempts
- Swollen hands, legs, feet, or arms
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Depression
- Sweating
- Irregular heartbeat (fast or slow)
- Confusion
- Restlessness
- Difficulties in coordination
- Feelings of dissociation (being out of your body)
- Enlargement of breasts especially in males
- Milky discharge from the breast due to an elevation of prolactin
- Priapism (prolonged and painful erections lasting more than six hours)
Although we’ve tried to cover all possible symptoms and side effects of lorcaserin pill, you might experience something that may not be on the above list. However, this only happens on the odd occasion.
In extreme cases, ensure to report the effects on FDA’s online reporting program. Their convenient hotline is 1-800-332-1088.
Storage of Lorcaserin
Store this medication in a tightly sealed container, preferably in a vessel it came in. Keep it away from moisture and excess heat. Although there’s no specific storage temperature, any value within standard conditions is acceptable. 25°C is perfect but a range of 15 – 30°C is still all right.
Lock up the weight loss drug lorcaserin in a secure location to prevent access by unauthorized persons. Take note that the medication is a controlled substance and may be abused. Besides, it may be poisonous to children or any other person taking it without a doctor’s prescription.
Proper Disposal of Lorcaserin
Dispose of lorcaserin as a pharmaceutical waste in accordance with FDA, EPA, and DEA regulations. Do not flush down the toilet, allow it to flow on the water drains, or discard to the trash. Being soluble in water, lorcaserin may lead to pollution.
There are several ways of getting rid of the drug. Once you label and carefully package the pharmaceutical, you can use a medicine take-back program, which involves returning it to the manufacturer. If the program isn’t accessible, get help from licensed medical waste contractors who will either incinerate the product or bury it in an accredited landfill.
Lorcaserin Reviews From Obeses
Effectiveness
Some people have been on Belviq for just six months but they could see a significant change. For example, a user had already lost 20lbs before using the medication for a full year. Averagely, half of this population lost up to 10 pounds within the first month.
Despite being a savior to many, lorcaserin seems ineffective to the minority. Whereas it would take a whole month to lose a mere 3lbs, some would not register any noticeable lorcaserin results. On the contrary, this group felt that their appetite increased dramatically.
Side effects are a Turn off!
90% of those who barely finish a month while taking lorcaserin are people who feel horrible from the side effects. Most users won’t tolerate insomnia, crazy anxiety, headaches, agitation, dizziness, nausea, and irregular heartbeat.
Although most people will experience these symptoms, a few users have attested that the side effects were short-lived. On average, it would only be noticeable within the first two weeks of taking lorcaserin. Interesting enough, about 2% of the consumers did not encounter any effects.
Appetite Suppression
From the lorcaserin reviews, 88% of the users agreed that their appetites have decreased significantly since they started using lorcaserin. It is beneficial for those with weird cravings and emotional eaters. If a comparison is made between the portions one ate before and what they are eating now, the difference is almost half or less. A few people would even force themselves to eat because the desire for food may disappear for days.
A few individuals whose appetites were not affected testified that other weight loss had worked for them. To some, incorporating exercises in their slimming program played a bigger role in losing weight rather than depending on low appetite.
Costly
A 30-day supply goes for 330 bucks. Some insurance doesn’t cover the costs of purchasing the medication. In such cases, one will either depend on the manufacturer’s coupons and special discount cards or dig deeper in their pockets. When lucky enough, you can pay as little as $50.
If you make less than $15,000 a year, you had better warn your body against being overweight. A weight-loss management plan is a sure way of draining your account.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Lorcaserin can make you an addict barely a fortnight of introducing it to your system. Those who stop taking the medication are likely to experience the side effects.
Lorcaserin supplement
1. Lorcaserin
Lorcaserin is a chemical compound used for clinical trials, therapeutic uses, and the discovery of anti-obesity drugs. Lorcaserin hydrochloride is formed when lorcaserin reacts with hydrochloric acid.
This substance is only supplied to laboratories for research. It is not safe for human or animal use.
2. Lorcaserin Pills
Lorcaserin is available under two brand names. You can either buy lorcaserin HCL as Belviq® or Belviq XR® tablets. The active ingredient in both brands is lorcaserin hydrochloride.
Belviq®
This weight loss drug is a 10mg tablet that’s to be taken twice in a day. It is round-shaped, biconvex, blue-colored, and film-coated with an ‘A’ at one side and ‘10’ on the opposite end. Each bottle has a total of 60 tablets.
| Shape | Round; biconvex |
| Size | 6mm |
| Color | Blue |
| Imprinted code | A;10 |
| Strength | 10mg |
| Quantity per bottle | 60 tablets |
Active Ingredient
Lorcaserin hydrochloride hemihydrate
Inactive Ingredients
These constituents are consistently revised to eliminate the ingredients responsible for adverse reactions and side effects, especially during drug interactions.
- Magnesium stearate
- Aluminum oxide
- Polyethylene glycol 3350
- Talc
- Hydroxypropyl cellulose
- Microcrystalline cellulose
- Croscarmellose sodium
- Titanium dioxide
- Polyvinyl alcohol
- FD&C Blue #2
Belviq XR®
This is a 20mg extended-release tablet taken once a day. Unlike Belviq®, this brand supplies orange tablets. However, they are also round, biconvex, film-coated, and engraved with ‘A’ on one side and ‘20’ on the opposite end. A bottle of Belviq XR® has 30 tablets.
| Shape | Round; biconvex |
| Size | 9mm |
| Color | Orange |
| Imprinted code | A;20 |
| Strength | 20mg |
| Quantity per bottle | 30 tablets |
Active Ingredients
Lorcaserin hydrochloride hemihydrate
Inactive Ingredients
- Magnesium stearate
- Aluminum oxide
- Polyethylene glycol 400
- Polyethylene glycol 3350
- Polyethylene glycol 8000
- Talc
- Hydroxypropyl cellulose
- Microcrystalline cellulose
- Titanium dioxide
- Polyvinyl alcohol
- Ferric oxide red
- Ferric oxide yellow
- Silicon dioxide
- Mannitol
- Ethylcelluloses
- Hypromellose 2910 (15 MPA.S)
- FD&C Yellow #6
Purchase Lorcaserin HCL Online
1. Lorcaserin Cost
Lorcaserin HCL Costs
The cost of lorcaserin hydrochloride (846589-98-8) depends on your location, the store you’re buying in, and the quantity in question. For instance, a milligram of the product will cost you as much as $50. However, going for larger quantities might reduce the pricing to 1g per dollar or something less.
Belviq Costs
A Belviq bottle with 60 capsules (Belviq XR® has 30 tablets) will last you a month and it costs between $220 and $330. The price depends on the lorcaserin pill you’ll be taking since Belviq XR® costs a few dollars higher than Belviq. Some insurance firms may cover part of the charges, thus, leaving you with a reasonable amount to pay. Besides, you can get some special coupons and discount cards from Belviq, making you pay less.
2. How To Buy Lorcaserin HCL
The hassle of buying Belviq is the FDA law that requires you to have a doctor’s prescription. However, shopping for lorcaserin has no restrictions, except that you are a professional in the field of research.
Most online stores require you to register an account with them, create your own portal, and view the pricing. You can add the quantity to your cart and place an order. There are no special shipping charges since lorcaserin HCL is safe for all modes of transport.
FAQ
Is the lorcaserin controlled?
Although not a stimulant, lorcaserin is likely to cause drug dependence and abuse. For this reason, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) listed it under the Controlled Substances Act at Schedule IV.
So, how do they control one’s dosage? I’ll explain. An overdose may be accidental but then it might also be an intentional move of stimulating the user. In order to bring sanity, you can only refill the prescriptions for a limited number of times.
Some of the side effects of lorcaserin include hallucinations, feeling ‘high’, sedation, or euphoria. In a few cases, some patients who discontinued the dose exhibited some withdrawal symptoms. All these factors are enough proof that the medication can cause psychic dependence.
Can you work out while taking lorcaserin?
The efficacy of lorcaserin is also tied with physical activities and low-calorie intake. For as long as you take lorcaserin, regular workouts ought to be your lifestyle. A portion of those who have used it believes that exercises have played a major role in their weight loss journey rather than only depending on the medication.
Does lorcaserin have risks on your body?
Although some of the side effects are minor and tend to disappear after a week or two, others may be serious and become life-threatening. Research shows that these adverse reactions have a low probability of occurrence. Therefore, it is quite difficult to estimate their frequency.
The major US study didn’t just dismiss the claims about cardiovascular risks associated with lorcaserin but it also came up with new findings. Here’s an overview of the lorcaserin risks;
- Serotonin syndrome
This comes about when you take Belviq along with the medications, which increase or activate serotonin receptors. These medicines include those that treat depression, mental problems, headaches, and common cold.
- Suicidal thoughts
- Hypoglycemia
Low blood sugar occurs only on people suffering from type II diabetes. You might risk your life if you fail to monitor the sugar level and adjust your diabetes medication.
- Valvular heart disease
Lorcaserin pills may cause heart valve damage due to the activation of 5-HT2B receptors. However, this effect has a low incidence because the drug has a higher affinity for 5-HT2C than other 5-HT receptors. Studies show that the percentage of those taking lorcaserin and the group on a placebo will exhibit no significant difference when tested for valvular heart disease.
- Prolactin elevation
- Priapism
This is a painful erection that would last for more than four hours. If untreated, it could lead to permanent to the tissue.
How much weight will I lose on lorcaserin?
If you incorporate physical activities and a healthy diet to your lifestyle, you are likely to lose more pounds. By week 12, you ought to have lost at least 5% of your body weight. When this that does not happen, there’s no hope of Belviq working for you.
From the lorcaserin reviews we could sample, most people reported that they lost between 10 – 15lbs by the first month.
Have you tried Belviq or a similar appetite suppressant and has it worked?
90% of the user testimonials prove that lorcaserin works. To the rest of the population, the medication may have caused adverse reactions or was ineffective. In such cases, the doctor will discontinue your dosage and prescribe an alternative weight loss drug.
If one appetite suppressant fails to work for you, there are other options that a pharmacist can recommend. As at now, FDA has approved phentermine (Qsymia), orlistat, naltrexone (contrive), and liraglutide.
Summary On Lorcaserin HCL (Belviq)
Weight loss drug Lorcaserin is for the obese and overweight patients, especially those suffering from weight-related comorbidities. The medication has many life-threatening risks and adverse effects on the body but once you follow the doctor’s advice, you’ll be on the safer side.
Lorcaserin requires that you continue using it in your entire life or as per the prescription. If you give yourself a break after a year of losing 20lbs, get ready to gain a similar value with some extra pounds.
Although quite expensive, you just need to make use of the savings, coupons, and discount cards available at Belviq website. The lorcaserin cost will also reduce if your insurance covers part of the charges. It is advisable to weigh the risks involved and the health benefits before spending $300 on a monthly prescription.
References
- Bohula, Erin A., Wiviott, Stephen D., McGuire, Darren K., Inzucchi, Silvio E., et al.: Cardiovascular Safety of Lorcaserin in Overweight or Obese Patients, The New England Journal of Medicine, 2018
- Food and Drug Administration, Medications Target Long-Term Weight Control, Online, Published 17 July 2012
- Ashley Gustafson, Cammile King, Jose A.R., National Centre For Biotechnology Information, PMC Articles, MediMedia, USA Lorcaserin (Belviq), Online, September 2013