Health officials are becoming increasingly concerned over reports of Invokamet ketoacisosis.

After-market reports of adverse side effects show a higher than expected instance of Invokamet ketoacidosis among type-2 diabetes patients. These reports suggest that SGLT2 inhibitors like Invokamet have been inducing diabetic ketoacidosis in patients, possibly causing more harm than good.

Invokamet is composed of two medications, canagliflozin and metformin. It’s designed to help type-2 diabetes patients manage their blood sugar levels.

Approved by the FDA in August 2014, Invokamet is a recent addition to the drug market and belongs to the sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor family. It is manufactured by Johnson & Johnson’s subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceuticals, and it has earned the company millions of dollars in sales since its release.

The Invokamet ingredient canagliflozin is also marketed as a separate SGLT2 inhibitor medication known as Invokana. Other medications in the SGLT2 inhibitor class include Jardiance, Xigudo XR, Farxiga, and Glyxambi.

Invokana was subject to a consumer group objection before the FDA approved it in 2013. This group, Public Citizen, opposed the approval of Invokana due to the lack of safety information available to the new drug.

Additionally, health information data company IMS had identified 457 cases of diabetic ketoacidosis linked to Invokana and other SGLT2 inhibitors.

Overview of Invokamet Ketoacidosis

SGLT2 inhibitors work by preventing the kidneys from reabsorbing glucose. The excess glucose is then removed from the body through urination.

At the time SGLT2 inhibitors were first developed, this biological technique was considered a highly innovative method to control blood sugar levels. Despite the fact that SGLT2 inhibitors have been on the market for less than five years, serious safety concerns have already mounted from Invokamet side effects.

By May 2015, the FDA had already received at least 20 injury reports of ketoacidosis from SGLT2 inhibitor patients. Ketoacidosis is a medical emergency that puts the patient at risk for coma and possibly death.

Ketoacidosis happens when the body uses more fat for energy than usual instead of glucose, creating by-products called ketones. This results in highly acidic blood and a number of other Invokamet side effects.

Patients suffering from Invokamet ketoacidosis may experience a number of symptoms including: increased urination or thirst, abdominal pain, fruity smelling breath, and vomiting. This condition is potentially fatal, so patients experiencing any adverse Invokamet side effects should consult their physician immediately.

Invokamet and other SGLT2 inhibitors are meant to make the lives of type-2 diabetes more manageable, and allow them to live a healthier and more active lifestyle. Patients who developed Invokamet ketoacidosis or had suffered other SGLT2 side effects, may be eligible to file a claim against the manufacturing companies.