A Mississippi resident has filed a lawsuit against Janssen Pharmaceuticals for failing to adequately warn about serious and dangerous risks associated with taking the diabetes medicine Invokana, specifically the possibility of developing kidney failure.

Plaintiff Teresa Ann B. began taking the diabetes medicine Invokana in December 2014 and continued to use it until September 2015 in an effort to reduce her blood sugar.

Teresa Ann claims she relied on advertised claims that Invokana is a safe and effective treatment for type-2 diabetes, when, according to her lawsuit, the defendants knew or should have known the risks associated with the use of the diabetes medicine Invokana.

Instead, Teresa Ann suffered kidney failure as a result of taking the diabetes medicine Invokana, the lawsuit states.

The Invokana lawsuit further alleges that the drug companies willfully concealed their knowledge of Invokana’s unreasonably dangerous risks in order to prevent any chances that U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of Invokana would be delayed.

About Invokana

Invokana is a type-2 diabetes medicine manufactured by Janssen Research & Development, LLC. The drug is a SGLT2 inhibitor used in combination with diet and exercise to improve glycemic control and lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes is a leading cause of death in the United States and leads to serious medical problems, including kidney failure, blindness, heart disease and other health issues.

Invokana was approved by the Food & Drug Administration in March 2013 for treatment of type-2 diabetes. However, in May 2015, the FDA warned in a safety communication that these drug treatments may put patients at risk for a serious health condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis.

Diabetic ketoacidosis occurs when the cells do not receive the glucose needed by the body for energy and the body begins to burn fat for energy, which produces ketones. When ketones build up in the blood, it becomes more acidic and can poison the body.

Diabetic ketoacidosis can lead to serious health problems including diabetic coma. Other complications include heart attack, blood clots, and kidney failure.

Kidney Failure Symptoms

Kidney failure is a potentially serious side-effect of the diabetes drug Invokana. The FDA warned in May 2015 that treatment with this medication can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis. This condition, if not timely treated or diagnosed, can lead to kidney failure.

There are many symptoms of acute kidney failure associated with diabetic ketoacidosis from patients taking Invokana including:

• Bloody stools
• Breath odor and metallic taste in the mouth
• Changes in mental status or mood
• Decreased appetite
• Decreased sensation in the hands or feet
• Unusual fatigue
• Flank pain (between the ribs and hips)
• High blood pressure
• Prolonged nausea or vomiting
• Nosebleeds and prolonged bleeding
• Seizures
• Shortness of breath
• Slow, sluggish movements
• Swelling due to the body keeping in fluid (may be seen in the legs, ankles, and feet)
• Urination changes

Were You Harmed by the Diabetes Medicine Invokana?

If you or someone you care about suffered kidney failure from taking the diabetes medicine Invokana, you may be eligible to file an Invokana lawsuit.

Attorneys are currently investigating claims against the drug manufacturer by both patients and their families seeking compensation for injuries caused by Invokana. You may be entitled to a substantial settlement.

The Invokana Lawsuit is Case No. 3:16-cv-08730 in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, Trenton Division.