A California couple filed a recent Invokana side effects lawsuit against the manufacturer of Invokana, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, alleging the drug causes severe side effects including ketoacidosis.

Plaintiff Dennis K. filed the Invokana side effects lawsuit in New Jersey federal court, joining an increasing multidistrict litigation (MDL) against the company. The lawsuit was filed on Dec. 29, 2017.

According to the Invokana side effects lawsuit, Dennis was prescribed Invokana around November 2015 on doctor’s orders. He says that he was prescribed the drug despite the availability of alternative, safer diabetes treatments. He was instructed by his physician to take Invokana once daily to improve glycemic control, and to maintain proper diet and exercise while taking the medication.

However, Dennis was admitted to Valley Hospital Medical Center in Las Vegas, N.V. on Dec. 30, 2015. There, he was diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis.

The Invokana side effects lawsuit alleges that Dennis developed diabetic ketoacidosis due to the company’s fraudulent misrepresentation of Invokana.

Dennis states that he endured “pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and economic loss, including significant expenses for medical care and treatment,” due to taking Invokana.

He also maintains that had he known of the risks involved with taking the diabetes medication, he would not have taken Invokana.

The lawsuit was filed on multiple counts including failure to warn, design defect, negligence, breach of implied warranty, breach of express warranty, fraudulent misrepresentation, negligent misrepresentation, unjust enrichment, and loss of consortium.

Invokana and Ketoacidosis

Invokana (canagliflozin) is manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson. It was first introduced to the drug market in 2013.

Since its introduction, the drug quickly gained popularity as a diabetic medication. This is partly due to the manufacturer’s aggressive marketing campaign.

Invokana is one of several major diabetes drugs known as sodium-glucose co transporter 2 (SGLT-2). These group of drugs are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat adults with type-2 diabetes and low blood sugar.

Warnings have been announced by the FDA stating that Invokana and other SGLT-2 inhibitors allow for ketoacidosis, characterized by increased levels of acid in the blood. Other side effects linked to SGLT-2 inhibitors include kidney injuries and bone fractures.

Side effects associated with Invokana include, but are not limited to:
• Dehydration (lightheadedness, dizziness)
• Vaginal yeast infection
• Low blood sugar
• Serious allergic reaction
• Kidney failure and other kidney problems

The FDA continues to receive reports of serious injuries that resulted from taking Invokana. As a result, the FDA mandated that Janssen add additional warnings to the drug’s warning label.

Filing an Invokana Side Effects Lawsuit

A growing number of consumers who have taken Invokana are filing lawsuits alleging that the drug causes severe injuries and adverse side effects. Plaintiffs included in these lawsuits accuse Janssen of failing to adequately warn of the potential risks and injuries involved in taking Invokana.

Although filing a ketoacidosis lawsuit can in no way reverse injuries suffered from taking Invokana, a lawsuit can provide an affected individual with financial compensation to make up for lost wages or medical expenses.

The Invokana Side Effects Lawsuit is Case No. 3:17-cv-13832-BRM-LHG, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. The Invokana MDL is In re: Invokana (Canagliflozin) Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 2750, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.