A judge in Pennsylvania was urged to consolidate 87 pending Invokana lawsuits in order to address the cases more quickly and consistently.

Johnson & Johnson’s diabetes drug has come under fire for allegedly causing kidney damage and ketoacidosis.

“The creation of a mass tort program is appropriate here because the related actions involve common questions of fact and law, and consolidation for pretrial and trial will promote judicial economy and the just and efficient resolution of these actions,” the plaintiffs said in their petition. “An Invokana mass tort program will eliminate duplication, avoid inconsistent rulings, and conserve the resources of the parties, counsel and the judiciary.”

Invokana Lawsuits and FDA 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 with 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.

Invokana lawsuits are based in part because Johnson & Johnson allegedly knew of the risks of kidney failure and ketoacidosis, but concealed these risks from doctors and the public.

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

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.

What Is Ketoacidosis?

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 instead, 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 extremely ill.

Dry mouth or excessive thirst, frequent urination and high blood sugar are early symptoms of ketoacidosis.

Constant fatigue, dry or flushed skin, abdominal pain, vomiting, difficulty breathing and a fruity breath odor are signs of advanced ketoacidosis.

Johnson & Johnson Influences Doctors

According to a public interest website, ProPublica, Johnson & Johnson spent more than $7 million on doctor speaking fees and related support for the drug’s marketing efforts from August to December 2013. Of that money, $4 million was spent on speaking fees, $2 million for doctors’ food and drinks and $900,000 for what was termed “consulting fees.”

Johnson & Johnson spent an additional $16 million on Invokana ads placed in medical journals.

Invokana is currently among the top four of the list of drugs based on the most money spent.

Invokana lawsuits are becoming class action lawsuits because of the similarities in the onset of symptoms and resulting diagnoses of kidney failure and/or ketoacidosis in Invokana patients.

The Invokana Lawsuit is Case No. 160902820 in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania.