Kim Gale  |  July 21, 2016

Category: Legal News

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Invokana Side EffectsInvokana (generic canagliflozin) used to treat type 2 diabetes can lead to ketoacidosis in some patients, reported the FDA recently.

Johnson & Johnson’s Invokana is prescribed to maintain lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is in a class of drugs called SGLT2 inhibitors, which work by making the kidneys remove sugar from the body through the urine rather than have it be reabsorbed into the blood.

As a result of this action, patients can become dehydrated, which taxes the kidneys.

Invokana Side Effects

Everyone’s body has a narrow range of blood and cellular fluids that can be considered either too acidic (low pH) or too basic (high pH).

Ketoacidosis means the body has produced an abnormally high level of blood acids, which can lead to brain swelling and kidney failure.

Ketoacidosis occurs when the body’s cells don’t receive the glucose they need for energy, and the body begins to burn fat for energy, a process that produces ketones.

These ketones break down the fat to turn it into energy. When the ketones build up in the blood, the resulting ketoacidosis can make a person very ill.

In ketoacidosis, insulin levels are so low that the body cannot regulate blood sugar, and the fatty acid flow is inadequate.

Symptoms of ketoacidosis are:

  • Thirst or a very dry mouth
  • Frequent urination
  • High blood glucose (blood sugar) levels
  • High levels of ketones in the urine

Symptoms of progressed ketoacidosis:

  • Constantly feeling tired
  • Dry or flushed skin
  • Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Fruity odor on breath
  • A hard time paying attention, or confusion

Between March 2013 to June 2014, the FDA reported 20 cases of diabetic ketoacidosis in patients treated with SGLT2 inhibitors such as Invokana.

The FDA reports the median time between the start of taking Invokana and the onset of ketoacidosis symptoms was two weeks.

In addition to the introduction of Invokana, only half of the patients had other potential factors that might have helped trigger the onset of ketoacidosis. These other factors included:

  • Urinary tract infection
  • Flu
  • Trauma
  • Reduced calorie or reduced fluid intake
  • Reduced insulin dose

Kidney Problems

Invokana side effects can include kidney damage in addition to ketoacidosis. Patients should be aware of signs such as decreased urination and swelling of the hands or feet, which can mean toxins are building up in the body.

The risks of kidney damage increase for patients also taking diuretics, blood pressure medications, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Invokana Introduced in 2013

The FDA approved Invokana in 2013 to help maintain blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetics.

Only two years later, in 2015, the FDA became concerned about Invokana side effects and ordered all manufacturers of SGLT2 inhibitors to include warning labels about the risk of ketoacidosis.

If you or someone you know has developed kidney problems or ketoacidosis while taking Invokana, you could benefit from participation in a class action lawsuit to offset expenses from lost wages, hospitalizations and pain and suffering.

A specialized attorney can help decide if a lawsuit is an option for you.

In general, Invokana lawsuits are filed individually by each plaintiff and are not class actions.

Do YOU have a legal claim? Fill out the form on this page now for a free, immediate, and confidential case evaluation. The attorneys who work with Top Class Actions will contact you if you qualify to let you know if an individual lawsuit or class action lawsuit is best for you. Hurry — statutes of limitations may apply.

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Join a Free Invokana Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you or a loved one suffered ketoacidosis or kidney failure after taking Invokana, you may have a legal claim. See if you qualify to pursue compensation and join a free diabetes medication class action lawsuit investigation by submitting your information for a free case evaluation.

An attorney will contact you if you qualify to discuss the details of your potential case.

Please Note: If you want to participate in this investigation, it is imperative that you reply to the law firm if they call or email you. Failing to do so may result in you not getting signed up as a client, if you qualify, or getting you dropped as a client.

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Please note: Top Class Actions is not a settlement administrator or law firm. Top Class Actions is a legal news source that reports on class action lawsuits, class action settlements, drug injury lawsuits and product liability lawsuits. Top Class Actions does not process claims and we cannot advise you on the status of any class action settlement claim. You must contact the settlement administrator or your attorney for any updates regarding your claim status, claim form or questions about when payments are expected to be mailed out.