Johnson and Johnson’s medication known as Invokana (canagliflozin) is currently being investigated by class-action lawyers from around the country in light of recently released reports indicating that people who are taking this drug are at increased risk for developing serious medical conditions, such as kidney failure, heart attacks, and strokes.
Blood sugar is supposed to be metabolized in the kidneys and provides the body with fuel. Invokana, marketed to people with Type 2 Diabetes, is purportedly designed to inhibit glucose excretion through urine by preventing the body from metabolizing sugar, while actually delivering unmetabolized, unfiltered sugar directly to the kidneys. Invokana is the only Type 2 Diabetes drug that does this. As a result, the medication has been found to actually increase glucose while simultaneously decreasing ketones. As of today, these drugs have not been approved for use by Type 1 Diabetics.
Diabetics are required to check their blood-sugar levels frequently. One of the problems with this medication is that it can affect blood-sugar data. Type 1 Diabetics commonly experience ketoacidosis. An increase in occurrences in ketoacidosis among Type 2 Diabetics who rarely have had a problem with increased acid levels in their systems is now being reported
FDA WARNS OF INVOKANA RISKS
In May 2015, the FDA released an advisory opinion warning that these Type 2 Diabetes medicines– known as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, like Invokana–can cause a variety of serious medical conditions, such as diabetic ketoacidosis. Ketoacidosis is a chemical imbalance in the body, which can result in major organ failure, diabetic comas, and death. In September 2015, the FDA reported an increased risk of fractures associated with the use of Invokana. Additional research is being conducted to further evaluate the latest findings.
In addition to Invokana, this class of diabetes drugs is marketed and sold under these other names:
- Invokamet (canagliflozin/metformin)
- Jardiance (empagliflozin)
- Xigduo XR (dapagliflozin/metformin)
- Farxiga (dapagliflozin)
- Glyxambi (empagliflozin/linagliptin)
INVESTIGATING INVOKANA CLAIMS
Currently our Miami law firm is investigating claims on behalf of people who have developed kidney failure and cardiovascular damage, such as heart attacks and strokes, while taking this medication. We strongly recommend that Diabetes patients who may be taking these drugs check closely for signs of ketoacidosis and seek immediate medical care at the nearest emergency room at the first sign of symptoms such as the following:
- Difficulty breathing
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Confusion
- Abnormally high fatigue or sleepiness
If you are currently taking Invokana or another diabetes drug in this class, we strongly urge you not to stop taking the medications suddenly without first consulting your physician and employing an accurate method to monitoring your blood-sugar and acid levels.
We want to help. If you have been diagnosed with kidney damage, or suffered a heart attack or stroke while taking one of these drugs, you may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses, and time lost from work and family. We invite you to contact our office today and speak with an experienced attorney who knows how to navigate the complex legal requirements and challenges involved in suing a pharmaceutical giant like Johnson and Johnson. Call us today for a free initial legal consultation at 1-866-597-4529 or email us at [email protected].
