Johnson & Johnson and subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceuticals are facing a growing multidistrict litigation (MDL) for Invokana side effects, with an Alabama couple recently alleging diabetic ketoacidosis caused by Invokana.

Plaintiff couple Charlene C. and Tammy C. allege that Charlene developed permanent kidney damage and diabetic ketoacidosis caused by Invokana. Charlene was prescribed Invokana in October 2016, for typical type-2 diabetes treatment purposes. Invokana is typically prescribed to help type-2 diabetes patients manage blood sugar levels, by signaling the body to expel excess sugar through urination.

Insulin is a vital part of the body’s digestive process, as it signals the body to retrieve nutritional properties from food. It also insures the body will metabolize sugar, and prevent the blood from becoming too acidic. When combined with diet and exercise, Invokana and other type-2 diabetes drugs should produce better insulin balance.

At the time she was prescribed Invokana, Charlene and her doctor were under the impression that the drug was a safe and effective treatment drug for type-2 diabetes. The company’s marketing materials reportedly emphasized the benefits of Invokana, but she alleges those materials failed to sufficiently describe potential side effects including diabetic ketoacidosis caused by Invokana.

Not long after Charlene started Invokana, she began experiencing serious medical problems and had to consult with her doctor. According to the Invokana lawsuit, Charlene was diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis and other serious kidney damages on Oct. 29, 2016.

Charlene was also diagnosed with acute kidney failure, systemic infection, and other medical conditions that ultimately compounded her type-2 diabetes. Charlene and Tammy are filing this Invokana lawsuit alleging Johnson & Johnson either knew or should have known of the drug’s potential complications including diabetic ketoacidosis caused by Invokana.

Overview of Invokana and Diabetic Ketoacidosis Correlation

Diabetic ketoacidosis occurs when the body becomes unable to metabolize sugar and is forced to metabolize fat instead. This can cause the blood to become dangerously acidic. Diabetic ketoacidosis caused by Invokana is believed to happen because the drug directly interferes with insulin production.

Invokana is a part of the SGLT2 inhibitor drug class, with the FDA approving these drugs to treat type-2 diabetes patients with blood sugar management problems. These drugs work by signaling the kidneys to expel excess sugar through urination, which is supposed to produce better insulin balance. However this treatment mechanism has been linked to diabetic ketoacidosis caused by Invokana.

The FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) had stated it had received 20 cases of diabetic ketoacidosis, ketoacidosis, or ketosis in patients prescribed Invokana and similar drugs. On May 15, 2015 the FDA had issued a warning stating that certain type-2 diabetes medications, including Invokana, may increase the risk of ketoacidosis or kidney failure.

Charlene and Tammy are filing their Invokana lawsuit in MDL No. 2750, where it will stand alongside other claims alleging similar injuries.

This Invokana Lawsuit is Case No. 3:17-cv-05845-BRM-LHG, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.