In 2013, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new class of drugs to treat patients with Type 2 diabetes. Invokana (also called canagliflozin) is a subtype 2 sodium-glucose transport inhibitor (SGLT2 inhibitor) that is used to treat this common condition. Other names for the drug include Invokamet and Invokamet XR.
SGLT2 inhibitors are designed to help the kidneys reduce the level of sugar in the bloodstream. However, there are reports that Invokana may cause life-changing or even fatal side effects. The FDA requires a black box warning for this product. This is the most serious type of warning required by the FDA.
Lawsuits filed against the manufacturer claim the drug can cause complications that include:
- Diabetic ketoacidosis: This is a condition where your body produces dangerous levels of ketones, which are blood acids that are produced when your body burns fat for energy or fuel. According to Mayo Clinic, diabetic ketoacidosis may cause coma or death if it remains untreated.
- Urinary tract infections: Invokana has been linked to urinary tract infections.
- Amputations: The FDA has confirmed that Invokana carries a heightened risk of leg and foot amputations.
- Thromboembolic events: There are reports of patients succumbing to thromboembolic events after taking Invokana. A thromboembolic event is where blood clots form and travel to the vital organs, such as the heart, lungs or brain.
- Kidney damage or failure: The FDA has warned consumers that Invokana carries a heightened risk of kidney damage. There are also reports of Invokana causing kidney failure.
- Blood infections: A blood infection is also called septicemia, a condition where bacteria infect the bloodstream. Septicemia is a life-threatening condition that may cause multiple organ failure.
Janssen Pharmaceuticals is a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson that manufactures Invokana. These companies may have failed to warn of serious complications. In addition, the companies may have produced, released and marketed a product that is unreasonably dangerous.
If you or a loved one were harmed while taking Invokana, Invokamet or Invokamet XR, then you should speak with an attorney at our law firm. The Philadelphia pharmaceutical litigation lawyers at Eisenberg Winkler Jeck Schwartz Schoenhaus & Sherry, P.C., can help you explore options for pursing damages against the manufacturers. We will review the details of your situation at no cost.
