Once Daily Weight Loss Rx Approved

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved a once-a-day weight loss formulation.

That medication is Belviq XR (lorcaserin hydrochloride), which has been approved for weight management. Belviq XR is available in a sustained-release formulation that allows once daily dosing — differing from the twice-a-day dosing required by Belviq, which was approved in 2012. 

Belviq XR was approved for use in adult patients who are obese or overweight and who have another condition that is related to weight, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.

Being obese is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater. Being overweight is defined as having a BMI of 27 or greater.

This medication is approved to be given in combination with lifestyle changes that include a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. 

Belviq XR is available in 20-milligram tablets. This medication was approved after it was shown to be the same as twice daily 10 mg Belviq tablets. 

The common side effects of Belviq XR are similar to those seen with Belviq. These include headache and low blood sugar (in patients with diabetes). This medication can cause dizziness and fatigue. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how it affects you. 

This medication is not to be used in women who are pregnant or who plan to become pregnant. 

Eisai Inc. and Arena Pharmaceuticals' Belviq XR is expected to be launched in autumn 2016.