A new class of diabetes drugs called SGLT2 inhibitors has been linked with an increased risk of ketoacidosis, as well as other serious side effects.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors are used to inhibit some kidney function, regulating the blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes patients.

It is also important to note that while SGLT2 inhibitors have been approved for treating type 2 diabetes patients, they have not similarly been approved for the treatment of patients with type 1 diabetes.

While SGLT2 inhibitor drugs have become some of the most popular diabetes drugs available in recent years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned that these drugs may actually lead to a serious side effect called ketoacidosis.

What is Ketoacidosis?

Ketoacidosis is a condition in which there is an unusual and dangerously high level of blood acid called ketones. This side effect may necessitate hospitalization.

The FDA noted in its warning that it was in the process of determining whether or not there should be an updated warning label for this safety issue in regard to SGLT2 inhibitor diabetes drugs. Regardless, the FDA did feel it necessary to release a FDA Drug Safety Communication.

In the meantime, the FDA cautions patients taking diabetes drugs like SGLT2 inhibitors to be on the lookout for possible signs of ketoacidosis side effects. Some serious symptoms of ketoacidosis to look out for include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Confusion
• Unusual fatigue or sleepiness

While in some cases, ketoacidosis problems can be counteracted by simply stopping intake of diabetes drugs, the FDA warns that changing or stopping diabetes drugs without a doctor’s approval can be dangerous.

The FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) had recorded 20 separate cases of ketoacidosis linked with SGLT2 inhibitors between March 2013 and June 6, 2014. Each of these patients required visits to the emergency room or hospital to treat their ketoacidosis problems.

These 20 reports were only the beginning, and patients have continued to report ketoacidosis problems linked with their use of SGLT2 inhibitors.

Diabetes Drugs Ketoacidosis Lawsuits

After the FDA warned about the increased risk of ketoacidosis linked with Invokana and other SGLT2 inhibitor diabetes drugs, a growing number of consumers have come forward with reports of this serious problem.

According to plaintiffs, drug manufacturers of these diabetes drugs failed to adequately warn the public and the medical community about the potentially serious risks of SGLT2 inhibitors, including ketoacidosis.

Injured plaintiffs allege that the risks of SGLT2 inhibitors like Invokana outweigh the benefits, and that had they been warned about the risks, they would have been able to choose a safer alternative.

Filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering of ketoacidosis side effects, but it can help to compensate for financial expenses incurred by medical bills and lost wages.

If you or someone you love has suffered from side effects of diabetes drugs like ketoacidosis, you may be able to file a lawsuit.