Permanent injuries caused by Invokana have prompted a Massachusetts couple to filed a lawsuit against the diabetes medication manufacturer, Janssen Pharmaceuticals.

Plaintiff couple Robin and Richard R. allege in their lawsuit that as a direct result of using Invokana for the treatment of Robin’s diabetes for a period of approximately two years, Robin suffered a heart attack in November 2013 and acute renal failure in June 2015.

According to Robin and her husband, these alleged severe and permanent injuries caused by Invokana led to the couple’s pain, suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish.

The lawsuit states that Robin may suffer life-long complications as a result of the alleged permanent injuries caused by Invokana.

The couple seeks actual, compensatory, and punitive damages for Janssen’s purported negligence in failing to warn patients and the medical community that Invokana may cause unreasonably dangerous side effects.

About Invokana

Invokana is one of several “new generation” diabetes drugs included in a class of medications called SGLT2 inhibitors.

While these drugs have been touted as revolutionary in managing type 2 diabetes, SGLT2 inhibitors have already been linked to a severe side effect, ketoacidosis, in which elevated blood acid levels literally poison the body.

In a series of recent safety warnings, the FDA cautioned patients taking Invokana to watch for symptoms of the potentially fatal condition, going so far as to revise the drug’s label with a stronger warning.

Invokana Possible Kidney Risks

While ketoacidosis has been the focus of concern for many patients, the FDA has also identified at least 19 cases of life-threatening kidney infections.

These infections, the announcement states, began as urinary tract infections then spread, either into a patient’s blood or to their kidney. All of the patients required hospitalization, “and a few required admission to an intensive care unit or dialysis in order to treat kidney failure.”

Invokana Possible Heart Risks

Concerns regarding Invokana’s cardiovascular safety were first raised on January 10, 2013, little more than 2 months prior to the drug’s approval.

SGLT2 inhibitors like Invokana increase urine production in an attempt to flush blood glucose, at dangerously high levels in type 2 diabetes patients, from the body. But increases in urination can also be accompanied by increases in “hematocrit,” the concentration of red blood cells relative to other fluids.

The blood literally becomes thicker, increasing the risk of blood clot formation, heart attack, and stroke.

Did You Suffer Permanent Injuries Caused by Invokana?

Patients who have already suffered permanent injuries caused by Invokana intend to hold Janssen Pharmaceuticals and its parent company, Johnson & Johnson liable for the severe complications they say were caused by Invokana.

Some, like Robin and Richard R., have even filed Invokana lawsuits, seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

If you or a loved one suffered permanent injuries caused by Invokana, you may be entitled to compensation.

The Invokana Injury Lawsuit is Case No. 3:16-cv-08004 in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, Trenton Division.