Invokana diabetes medication, generically known as canagliflozin, is an oral prescription medication used to treat patients with type-2 diabetes.

Invokana is marketed and manufactured by Janssen pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson.

As one of the first medications in a new drug class, Invokana diabetes medication was approved by the FDA in 2013 in a class known SGLT-2 inhibitors.

In the body, SGLT-2 inhibitors work by affecting a protein that is located in the duct system of the kidney known as the sodium-glucose-linked transporter 2.

These glucose transporters function by reabsorbing glucose from the body back into the kidney.

When an SGLT-2 inhibitor such as Invokana diabetes medication is used, the normal reabsorption of glucose into the kidney is blocked. Instead of reentering the kidney, the glucose is removed from the body and excreted in the urine, thereby reducing glucose levels.

Invokana Diabetes Medication Side Effects

One serious side effect that has been linked to Invokana use is a condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis, also referred to as DKA. This condition arises when ketones are found at an abnormally high level in the body and can cause the body to become too acidic.

The body produces ketones after it is no longer able to use the glucose from the cells and alternatively breaks down fat as a fuel source for energy rather than the glucose. When the fat is metabolized in this way, the byproduct leads to the development of ketones.

Diabetic ketoacidosis may have a rapid onset and can quickly become life-threatening over a relatively short amount of time.

Symptoms of ketoacidosis caused by Invokana diabetes medication include the following: confusion, having difficulty breathing, feeling excessively tired or sleepy, lightheadedness, feeling as if about to faint, breath that smells “fruity”, an increase in thirst and urination, nausea or upset stomach.

Diabetic ketoacidosis is only seen in patients suffering from type-1 diabetes. However, because of the way Invokana works, this condition has now been associated with the use of the pharmaceutical drug.

It is important that type-2 diabetes patients taking Invokana become aware of the signs and symptoms relating to diabetic ketoacidosis. Because the condition is very rare in type-2 diabetes patients, such individuals may not recognize the symptoms once they start.

Ketoacidosis can also cause the body to develop other conditions including problems with the cardiovascular system. Blood clots, heart attack and blood pressure that is dangerously low may also result from diabetic ketoacidosis.

Cerebral edema, more commonly known as brain swelling, may also result.

Dehydration and electrolyte balance are also common with ketoacidosis. Both of these can affect heart rhythm and can be damaging to the kidneys, even to the point of kidney failure. Diabetic ketoacidosis caused by Invokana diabetes medication may also result in coma.

The mortality rate due to ketoacidosis has been estimated to range from about 1 to 5%.

Filing an Invokana Diabetes Medication Lawsuit

If you or a loved one developed ketoacidosis following your use of taking Invokana diabetes medication you may be eligible for legal compensation. And Invokana attorney can review your case at no charge and can help you understand the legal options that are available to you.