After numerous patients reported severe side effects including kidney complications, renal failure, and heart attack, the FDA warned that diabetes medications known as sodium-glucose contransporters (SGLT2) inhibitors can cause ketoacidosis.

SGLT2 inhibitors are typically prescribed to type-2 diabetes patients to lower blood-sugar in adults. They are supposed to be used along with a healthy diet and exercise to increase the overall chances of the patient’s long-term survival rate.

However, it has recently been discovered that these diabetes drugs can cause potentially fatal side effects. The drugs this warning applies to includes canagliflozin, dapagliflozin and empagliflozin.

Each of the medications work by prompting the kidneys to remove sugar from the blood through urination. These drugs are sold under several brand names including: Invokana (canagliflozin), Invokamet (canagliflozin), Farxiga (dapagliflozin), Xigduo XR (dapagliflozin and metformin extended-release), Jardiance (empagliflozin), and Glyxambi (empagliflozin and linagliptin).

According to the FDA, the agency received 20 injury reports indicating these drugs triggered ketoacidosis, which is when the levels of ketones, certain blood acids, are too high. If not treated promptly, the patient could fall into a diabetic coma and die.

The FDA stated that all 20 patients had to undergo emergency treatment and were hospitalized. Even though ketoacidosis normally only affects people with type-1 diabetes, the 20 FDA cases all involved type-2 diabetes patients and manifest itself differently.

The FDA also stated that it is investigating to see if any updates or changes are needed in the prescription information of SGLT2 inhibitors. The FDA advises that any patients taking these drugs should carefully monitor themselves for any signs of ketoacidosis, and seek immediate medical attention if they suspect the complication.

Symptoms include difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, and unusual fatigue. Ketoacidosis can typically be diagnosed through urine tests. Do not stop or change any medication without consulting a physician.

Type-2 diabetes affects over 20 million Americans. SGLT2 inhibitors are among the many diabetes medication choices that are supposed to help diabetics. However, some assert they may cause more harm than help.

At this time, attorneys are investigating the possibility of filing Invokana diabetic ketoacidosis lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson, claiming that the drug maker knew or should have known of the high risk of diabetic ketoacidosis associated with their diabetes medication but failed to provide adequate warning in an effort to protect their own profits.