Johnson & Johnson is facing a growing multidistrict litigation from numerous patients alleging they became diabetic amputees due to dangers associated with Invokana.

One of the most recent Invokana lawsuits comes from a Texas man who says the drug aggravates the existing link between diabetes and amputation. Plaintiff Matthew B. is filing this Invokana lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson. He alleges he underwent an amputation after he began taking Invokana.

Matthew was prescribed Invokana for typical type-2 diabetes treatment purposes on January 2016. He kept taking the medication until October 2016.

Invokana was supposed to help prevent Matthew’s blood sugar levels from getting too high. However, Matthew alleges that his Invokana treatment ultimately led to a need for a diabetic amputation.

Type-2 Diabetes and Amputation

Type-2 diabetes is one of the most prevalent health concerns today, with millions of patients contending with the condition every day. The effects of this condition occur due to a failure of the body to respond to insulin, leaving an excess of sugar in the blood.

A link between diabetes and amputation is also a concern for patients, due to the disease’s effects on blood circulation and nerve damage. This can lead to a buildup in fluids in the lower parts of the body, which creates the possibility of ulcers in legs and feet. Patients often have to have foot ulcers removed. More severe cases require removal of part of the leg.

Health officials are warning that the link between diabetes and amputation may be a greater problem for patients who take drugs like Invokana. The FDA recently issued a warning that Invokana, Invokamet, and Invokamet XR may increase the chances of diabetic ketoacidosis and lower limb amputation.

Invokana and other SGLT2 inhibitors work by stimulating the kidneys to expel excess blood sugar through urination, reducing the amount of sugar in the blood. However, recent adverse event reports have suggested the drug increases the risk of patients becoming diabetic amputees.

The FDA warning issued on May 16, 2017 warned that Invokana, Invokamet, and Invokamet XR could double the risk of amputation of the lower limbs for diabetic patients.

At all times relevant during his prescription, Matthew had followed all prescription instructions and physician advice. Even with this diligence, Matthew still ended up undergoing diabetic amputation.

Matthew is filing this Invokana lawsuit against the manufacturing companies, alleging they either knew or should have known about Invokana’s effect on the link between diabetes and amputation.

Matthew is joining MDL No. 2750, where his claim will stand alongside other diabetic amputees alleging similar injuries. Matthew states he never would have agreed to use Invokana, if he had known the drug would not help against the alleged correlation between type-2 diabetes and amputation.

This Invokana Lawsuit is Case No. 3:17-cv-08450-BRM-LHG, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.