Invokana
Helping Those Who Have Suffered Diabetic Amputation, Kidney Injury, Coma or Ketoacidosis After Taking Invokana
The Driscoll Firm, LLC, is now reviewing cases involving those who have suffered amputations of the leg, foot or toes, kidney injury, diabetic coma or diabetic ketoacidosis after taking the widely prescribed type 2 diabetes drug, Invokana (canagliflozin).
The Driscoll Firm, LLC, is now reviewing cases involving those who have suffered amputations of the leg, foot or toes, kidney injury, diabetic coma or diabetic ketoacidosis after taking the widely prescribed type 2 diabetes drug, Invokana (canagliflozin).In May 2015, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about this serious side effect associated with Invokana and other SGLT-2 inhibitors. Seven months later, the FDA ordered a change to Invokana’s labeling to include a warning about the side effect.
Amputation, kidney injury or diabetic ketoacidosis are serious conditions that may require hospitalization and could lead to death. If you believe that you or a loved one suffers from this condition after taking Invokana, you should see a doctor immediately.
You should also contact The Driscoll Firm without delay. We have extensive experience with handling highly complex defective drug claims and have established our firm as a national leader in these cases.
We can put our skill and experience to work for you and pursue full compensation for the harm you have suffered. We work with clients from across the country. Simply call or reach us online today to get started.
What Is Invokana?
The FDA approved Invokana for the U.S. market in 2013. It was the first among the class of drugs known as SGLT-2 inhibitors to gain FDA approval.
Although Invokana was developed by a Japanese company, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, the medication is marketed in the U.S. by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, which is a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson.
When combined with diet and exercise, SGLT-2 inhibitors can help to lower blood sugar levels in adults who suffer from type 2 diabetes.
As Reuters explains, diabetes is a condition which is caused by the body’s inability to metabolize glucose, or blood sugar. SGLT-2 inhibitors lower a person’s blood sugar levels by preventing glucose from being reabsorbed into the bloodstream after it passes through the kidneys. The glucose is, instead, excreted through the person’s urine.
In addition to Invokana, other types of SGLT-2 inhibitors on the market are:
- Farxiga (dapagliflozin) – Produced by Bristol-Myers Squibb and AstraZeneca
- Jardiance (empagliflozin) – Produced by Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly
Janssen also manufactures and sells Invokamet, which is a combination of Invokana and another diabetes medication, metformin hydrochloride.
According to Reuters, Invokana sales have been robust and were on track to hit $468 million by the end of 2016.
Does Invokana Cause Leg, Foot or Toe Amputations?
On May 18, 2016, the FDA issued a safety communication warning that Invokana could cause an increase in leg, foot and toe amputation in patients. This safety communication was issued due to clinical trial data that showed an increase in amputations in both the 100mg and 300mg doses of Invokana per 1000 patients.
Does Invokana Cause Diabetic Ketoacidosis?
Although Invokana has developed into a “blockbuster drug” for Janssen, many concerns have been raised about its side effects.
In May 2015, the FDA issued a safety alert, warning doctors and patients about the drug’s association with an increased risk of developing diabetic ketoacidosis.
As WebMD describes, diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition. It arises when cells in the body are deprived of glucose, which is needed for energy.
In order to produce energy, the body instead breaks down fat and muscle, triggering a process which produces fatty acids, or ketones. When ketones enter the bloodstream, it can cause a dangerous chemical imbalance, or acidosis.
Unfortunately, diabetic ketoacidosis is not the only side effect that has been linked to Invokana and other SGLT-2 inhibitors. Other side effects include:
- Urinary tract infections
- Fungal infections in the genital area
- Low blood pressure
- Elevated LDL cholesterol levels.
If you detect any side effects, you should see a physician right away. If left untreated, for instance, diabetic ketoacidosis can lead to severe consequences, including coma or death.
What Are Signs of Diabetic Ketoacidosis?
If you or a loved one is taking Invokana or another type of SGLT-2 inhibitor, you should pay close attention to signs of diabetic ketoacidosis. According to the FDA, those signs include:
- Breathing problems
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Confusion
- Unusual fatigue or sleepiness.
It is always dangerous to stop using a medication without seeing a doctor first. That is why you should see your physician immediately if you believe that you or a loved one is suffering from ketoacidosis or any other Invokana side effect.
Harmed by Invokana? What Are Your Legal Options?
You should also make sure to contact The Driscoll Firm in order to have your case reviewed by an experienced drug injury lawyer.
You may be eligible to bring a legal claim that seeks compensation for the harm you have suffered, including your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering and more.
We can provide a timely, free and confidential consultation and get to work immediately on investigation your case.
The investigation typically will include reviewing the medical records in your case and consulting with medical experts who can help us to establish whether your health problems are linked to Invokana.
As your case moves forward, we can make sure that all forms and other claims paperwork in your case are handled accurately and efficiently while you focus on your health.
We may pursue compensation on your behalf by filing a claim in a state or federal court as either a class-action lawsuit or as an individual lawsuit.
In many drug injury cases, numerous people have suffered similar harm from the same product. As a result, an individual lawsuit may become part of a larger proceeding such as multidistrict litigation, or an MDL.
Attorney John J. Driscoll and The Driscoll Firm have significant experience with these types of highly complex, nationally litigated cases. In fact, our law firm often is appointed to serve in leadership roles in such cases. You can count on our firm to make sure your rights and interests are protected at each stage of the process.
Of course, we also understand how important it is for you to stay updated about what is happening in your case. We will make sure you are informed at every stage.
