SGLT2 Inhibitor Overview
A sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT2 inhibitor) is a type of medication used to treat type 2 diabetes, helping the kidneys by lowering the body’s blood glucose levels. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved SGLT2 inhibitors in 2013 for the treatment of diabetes.
These drugs work to treat diabetes by preventing the kidneys from reabsorbing glucose, leading to lower levels of blood glucose.
There are a number of different diabetes drugs belonging to this class, including Farxiga (dapagliflozin), Invokana (canagliflozin), and Jardiance (empagliflozin).
Side Effects of SGLT2 Inhibitors
As with any medication, there are a number of side effects associated with SGLT2 inhibitors, according to WebMD. More minor risks include dizziness, lightheadedness, and frequent urination. While these complications are minor in and of themselves, they can sometimes indicate a more severe problem, so make sure to consult your doctor.
Unfortunately, SGLT2 inhibitors have also been linked with some more serious risks.
The FDA has issued Safety Communications warnings six separate times about SGLT2 inhibitor risks, from a warning about the risk of lower limb amputations to a warning about a flesh-eating infection of the genitals.
Other severe risks, according to the agency, include kidney problems, diabetic ketoacidosis, serious urinary tract infections, and bone fracture. Warnings about these risks can also be found on the FDA website.
SGLT2 Inhibitor Litigation
A growing number of people who have suffered from these or other side effects of SGLT2 inhibitors are turning to litigation to pursue compensation. Indeed, hundreds have filed litigation against Jardiance and Farxiga, and others have been filed over other SGLT2 inhibitors as well. Pharmaceutical giants Johnson & Johnson, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and AstraZeneca have all been hit with similar litigation over these complications. Many of these lawsuits have been gathered into multidistrict litigation in New Jersey and New York.
Some lawsuits have headed to trial, but others have reached confidential settlement agreements.
Lawsuits allege that drug manufacturers either knew or should have known about the risks associated with SGLT inhibitor drugs, but failed to adequately warn patients and the medical community about the risk. Though manufacturers have since been required to include warnings from the FDA, these warnings come too late for those who have already begun suffering from serious health problems as a result.
If you or someone you love has suffered from side effects of Jardiance, Farxiga, or another SGLT2 inhibitor, you may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation. Of course, filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by these complications, but it can at least help to alleviate the financial burden incurred by medical expenses, lost wages, and more.
Pursuing litigation can be daunting, especially while dealing with medical complications, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting a lawyer can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.
