Invokana Drug Lawsuit Update

At Altman & Altman, LLP we’ve previously reported on the link between diabetes drug Invokana and a dangerous medical condition called ketoacidosis. However, the lawsuits against the drug’s manufacturer, Janssen Pharmaceuticals (a division of Johnson & Johnson corporation) are continuing to pile up. The most recent Invokana lawsuit was filed by a Texas woman who alleges that the drug caused her serious harm. The plaintiff is requesting more than $10 million in damages, claiming she suffered life-threatening injuries. Contact a Boston Drug Injury Lawyer Today.

Invokana is a member of a relatively new class of drugs called SGLT2 inhibitors. SGLT2 inhibitors have been touted as an effective treatment alternative for patients with type 2 diabetes. In conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise, Invokana prevents the kidneys from reabsorbing excess glucose, helps the kidneys excrete glucose, and lowers the blood glucose levels overall. Unfortunately, Invokana and other SGLT2 inhibitors are also linked to multiple serious side effects. The Texas woman who recently filed an Invokana lawsuit claims that the drug caused her to develop severe kidney damage and a life-threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. She also claims that her health problems started almost immediately. According to the plaintiff, she started Invokana treatment in October of 2013, but stopped taking the drug only a month later.

A Canadian woman also recently filed an Invokana lawsuit. Rosalba Joudry is seeking $1 billion in damages on behalf of herself and others in her class-action lawsuit, claiming that she developed kidney failure after only eight months on the drug.

The FDA Recently Issued a New Warning About Invokana

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a condition that develops when excessive levels of a toxic acid, called ketones, build up in the bloodstream. If left untreated, this condition can lead to comas and even death. In addition to ketoacidosis, the FDA has also received multiple adverse event reports linking Invokana to kidney damage. In response, the FDA recently issued a communication, warning the public of the risk of ketoacidosis.

Common Symptoms of Ketoacidosis and Kidney Damage

Although Invokana and SGLT2 inhibitors are increasingly surrounded by controversy, they are still being marketed to the general public. If you or a loved one is currently taking Invokana, it may be wise to discuss these risks with your doctor. If you develop any of the following symptoms while taking an SGLT2 inhibitor, seek medical attention immediately.

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms
  • Loss of appetite
  • Excessive urination
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Dehydration
  • Excessively dry mouth
  • Severe headache
  • Dizziness
  • Muscle weakness
  • Fatigue

Invokana has been linked to several serious, and potentially life-threatening illnesses, including:

  • Heart attack
  • High blood pressure
  • Ketoacidosis
  • Kidney stones
  • Kidney disease
  • Kidney failure
  • Liver disease
  • Death

If Invokana’s manufacturer had properly warned patients and the medical community about the risk of kidney failure, ketoacidosis, and heart issues, patients would have had the option to choose a different medication. At the very least, they could have had their health monitored on a frequent basis. Due to Janssen’s failure to warn, many patients have been needlessly harmed, and some have lost their lives.

Altman & Altman, LLP – Drug Injury Lawyers Serving Boston and the Surrounding Areas

If you’ve developed a health condition after taking Invokana, the drug injury team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help. Our knowledgeable, experienced lawyers have been protecting the rights of accident and injury victims for over 50 years. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. We will analyze the details of the case and help you determine the best strategy for moving forward. Contact us today for a free consultation about your case.

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