Kim Gale  |  September 30, 2016

Category: Legal News

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Invokana-linked-to-kidney-failureIs the popular diabetes drug Invokana linked to kidney failure?

Invokana, a Johnson & Johnson product, is used to maintain lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Known generically as canagliflozin, the medication causes the kidneys to remove sugar from the body through the urine rather than have it be reabsorbed into the blood.

Invokana Linked to Kidney Failure

Invokana works through the kidneys. The medication’s own warnings state “renal function abnormalities can occur after initiation.”

WithInvokana linked to kidney failure, patients are at increased risk after ketoacidosis sets in. Ketoacidosis means the body has produced an abnormally high level of blood acids, which can lead to brain swelling and kidney failure.

When the body’s cells don’t receive the glucose they need for energy, 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 sick.

Early symptoms include the following:

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

Signs it has advanced include:

  • 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

FDA Increases Invokana Warnings

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

It was the first in a new class of medications called SGLT2 inhibitors that eliminate excess glucose by sending it through the kidneys and out the urine instead of allowing the glucose back into the bloodstream.

The FDA ordered all manufacturers of SGLT2 inhibitors to include warning labels about the risk of ketoacidosis in December 2015.

In June 2016, the FDA strengthened warnings for Invokana linked to kidney failure. The revised warnings in the drug labels include information about acute kidney injury and recommendations to minimize the risk.

The FDA advises patients to seek medical attention immediately if they experience signs of Invokana linked to kidney failure such as decreased urine output or swelling in the legs or feet.

However, even with these symptoms present, the FDA does not advise patients to stop taking their Invokana without first speaking to their doctor. An abrupt stop of Invokana can result in uncontrolled blood sugar levels that can cause damage.

From March 2013 to October 2015, the FDA received 101 cases of acute kidney injury, some needing hospitalization and dialysis.

These cases were confirmed because they were reported through the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System. The FDA states there are most likely additional cases that were not reported.

Among the reported cases, half of the acute kidney injury events happened within one month of starting the drug, and most patients improved after stopping it.

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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