Johnson & Johnson, one of the largest drug manufacturers in the world, is facing lawsuits over severe side effects linked to the diabetes drug Invokana. Serious medical problems include an increased risk of kidney failure, heart attacks and other cardiovascular issues, and ketoacidosis. Affected patients may need the assistance of an Invokana attorney in Kansas. Invokana lawsuit attorneys allege that the drug is dangerous and that Johnson & Johnson failed to protect patients by giving them information about the increased risks of these conditions while taking the medication.
If you suffered severe side effects after taking Invokana and want to learn more about your options for an Invokana lawsuit, contact Attorney Group for Kansas. We provide free consultations, which are also confidential and without obligation, and if you have a case we can connect you with an affiliated Invokana lawyer in Kansas who can assist you throughout the legal process.
What is Invokana?
Invokana was developed for the treatment of patients with Type II diabetes. It contains the active ingredient canagliflozin, which is only one of a class of drugs known as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. Other sister drugs within the class include dapagliflozin and empagliflozin. These SGLT2 inhibitors are used to help regulate the blood sugar levels of Type II diabetics only. However, Invokana and its sister medications often reduce blood sugar levels too far and results in one or more dangerous side effects.
How Does Invokana Work?
The primary purpose of Invokana is to regulate blood sugar levels by signaling the kidneys to target and remove excess blood sugar through the urine. This is, in theory, a very helpful process for diabetics, who are unable to efficiently break down glucose as an energy source. Insulin is the hormone that helps the body do this, but Type II diabetics’ bodies do not use insulin like they should. The body makes more insulin to help reduce blood sugar levels, but it cannot keep up with the flow and sugar continues to build up within the blood. If not quickly reduced, high blood sugar can lead to coma and death.
Risk of Injury: Invokana Ketoacidosis
Invokana is now known to cause some patients to develop ketoacidosis, or unusually high levels of toxic acids known as ketones, in the blood. This occurs because the body is no longer breaking down sugar for energy. Instead, it resorts to breaking down fat stores. When burned for fuel by the body, fat produces ketones, which then causes the blood to become acidic and may require hospitalization for treatment.
The U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety communication on May 15, 2015 regarding the potential dangers of Invokana and other SGLT2 inhibitors. In the communication, the agency stated that the drugs may cause ketoacidosis and other dangerous conditions, and care should be taken while using the medication. At the time of its safety communication, 20 patients had been reported as developing ketoacidosis while using the drug. Every patient required hospitalization or emergency room treatment. Despite these dangers, to date the manufacturer has issued no recalls.
Risk of Invokana
To summarize, risks of severe side effects associated with Invokana include the following:
- Kidney failure or kidney damage
- Ketoacidosis
- Heart attack and other cardiovascular complications
Affected patients are encouraged to seek the advice of legal counsel to learn more about their options for filing a Kansas Invokana lawsuit.
Other Invokana Side Effects
Invokana side effects are not limited to ketoacidosis and heart complications. Patients taking the medication commonly experience low blood sugar, urinary tract infections, and frequent urination as well. Fewer patients will experience additional side effects, which can include the following:
- Dehydration
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Faintness and weakness
- Constipation
- Allergic reaction
- High magnesium levels in the blood
- Increased potassium in the blood
- Increased cholesterol levels
- High hemoglobin levels
In rare cases, patients can also experience pancreatitis, which is the inflammation of the pancreas. Other rare side effects include stomach cramps, hives and kidney disease.
Kansas Invokana Lawsuit
Since the FDA issued its safety communication, patients who have developed ketoacidosis in connection with use of Invokana and other SGLT2 inhibitors may be eligible to file claims against the drug manufacturer for failure to properly disclose the serious risks of use of the medication. Some Kansas Invokana lawsuit attorneys believe that these claims will not be class action suits. Instead, the court will consolidate the individual claims in federal court to help the discovery and pretrial processes to be more efficient. Contact a Kansas Invokana lawyer for more information.
Contact Us For More Information
If you or a loved one took Invokana and experienced side effects, contact Attorney Group for Kansas for more information. You can fill out the form on this page, call us at the number listed at the top of the page, or email us at info@attorneygroup.com.
When you contact us, an attorney will follow up with you to speak with you about your case or answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
See our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information, and contact Attorney Group for Kansas today.
