A popular group of diabetes medications has been accused of inducing severe side effects such as kidney failure, cardiac complications, and ketoacidosis. The class of medications, known as sodium-glucose contransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, includes such popular medications as Invokana, Farxiga, Xigduo, and Glyxambi.

While medical experts have known for years about the health concerns related to these medications, it took the federal Food and Drug Administration until May 15, 2015, to release a public warning regarding the correlation between SGLT2 inhibitors and ketoacidosis (a serious condition where the body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones that may require hospitalization). The agency is investigating the prevalence of these risks.

One of the SGLT2 drugs accused of causing adverse side effects, Invokana, is at the heart of new lawsuits. These lawsuits against the drug’s manufacturer, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, allege that the company failed to warn consumers of the dangers of their product. Plaintiffs bringing these Invokana lasuits claim that if Janssen had properly warned of the risks, they would have taken a different diabetes medication or at the least would have had their health monitored on a more routine basis for potential signs of heart issues, renal impairment, and high level of ketones.

Overview of Diabetes Medications Concerns

Many patients taking SGLT2 inhibitors have suffered from serious complications, including:

• Kidney Failure: This occurs when the kidneys completely stop working without dialysis or a kidney transplant. Kidneys are vital to everyday biological functioning. They filter waste from the blood, and regulate blood pressure, electrolyte balance, and red blood cell production. Kidney failure can lead to the build up of waste products, fluids, and electrolytes in the body, which can cause weakness, shortness of breath, lethargy, confusion, abnormal heart rhythms and sudden death.
• Myocardial Infarction: Also known as a heart attack, myocardial infarction occurs when an artery is blocked and blood can’t reach portions of the heart. This leads to the irreversible death of cells within the heart. If this condition lasts too long, the starved heart tissue dies.
• Ketoacidosis: Ketoacidosis can occur when the body produces high levels of ketones, or chemicals that help with the production of insulin. Ketoacidosis develops when the body is unable to produce insulin, which causes a buildup of toxic acids in the blood. This can result in a diabetic coma or even death, but is more common in type-1 diabetes patients.

Despite the serious concerns surrounding Invokana and other diabetes medications, there has not yet been a recall of Invokana or other SGLT2-inhibitors. An FDA investigation is still in the early stages and may take months or even years. In the meantime, the FDA advises patients to be on the lookout for any signs of ketoacidicis, cardiac complications, or kidney failure. Signs include shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, and abdominal pain.

Patients suffering these symptoms should seek medical treatment immediately and talk to their physicians about switching diabetic treatment drugs. Patients should never cease a medication without consulting a physician first. Patients looking to take legal action against the manufacturing company are encouraged to speak to specialized lawyers at once.