The FDA has approved a once-daily formulation of Belviq XR (orcaserin hydrochloride) tablets (Eisai Co., Ltd.) for chronic weight management.

Indication: Belviq is a serotonin 2C receptor agonist indicated as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adults with an initial body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or greater (obese), or 27 kg/m² or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least 1 weight-related comorbid condition (eg, hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes).

Dosage and administration: Belviq XR is a sustained release formulation which enables once-daily treatment, increasing the convenience of administration compared to twice-daily Belviq tablets.

Adverse reactions: Most common adverse reactions (>5%) in non-diabetic patients are headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, dry mouth, and constipation, and in diabetic patients are hypoglycemia, headache, back pain, cough, and fatigue.

Citation: US FDA approves Belviq XR®, a once-daily formulation of lorcaserin for chronic weight management. [news release]. Tokyo, Japan: Eisai Co, Ltd.; July 19, 2016: http://www.belviq.com/. Accessed July 25, 2016.