Johnson & Johnson and subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceuticals are facing a growing multidistrict litigation (MDL) brought by numerous patients who experienced Invokana adverse effects.

One of the most recent Invokana lawsuits come from a woman who reportedly had to go through diabetic leg amputation due to Invokana adverse effects or the drug’s inefficient treatment mechanism.

Plaintiff Cynthia W. says she was prescribed Invokana for typical treatment purposes, which was to help keep her type-2 diabetes under control. After discussing the option with her physician and reviewing the company’s marketing materials, Cynthia started her Invokana prescription in 2014. Cynthia says she used the medication according to prescription instructions and did not deviate from physician advice.

Invokana is a part of the SGLT2 inhibitor medication family, which works by preventing the body from absorbing too much sugar and expelling unneeded sugar through urination.

When combined with diet and exercise, Invokana is supposed to help patients live a normal life without the risks of major complications like diabetic leg amputation. However, this was not the case for Cynthia, with her Invokana lawsuit stating she was hospitalized with a severe diabetic ulcer infection on her left heel in August 2016.

As a result of this infection, Cynthia had to undergo diabetic leg amputation on her left leg and continues to follow up with doctors who look for any signs of recurrence. In addition, Cynthia has also reportedly developed an infection on the first toe on her right foot and is now forced to use crutches or a scooter for mobility.

Cynthia alleges her quality of life has been greatly impacted, and that she requires assistance for most daily activities. Cynthia alleges that due to Invokana adverse effects or the drug’s general ineffectiveness, she had to undergo diabetic leg amputation and will have to contend with her worsening diabetic condition.

Overview of Invokana Adverse Effects

Invokana adverse effects has been the subject of concern for the past several years, with patients reporting instances of diabetic ketoacidosis and ketosis.

This condition occurs when the body is forced to metabolize fat, which creates blood acids called ketones. This condition is potentially fatal and can lead to the shut down of the kidneys. Episodes of ketoacidosis have been reported to the FDA in patients who were taking Invokana at the time.

More recently, the FDA warned that diabetic leg amputation could be apart of the adverse effects associated with the drug. Diabetic leg amputation is needed when severe nerve damage occurs in the leg, often creating ulcers.

The FDA released this warning on May 16, 2017, stating they were not sure if the drug was defective in nature or if there were other contributing factors in these diabetic leg amputation cases. Cynthia is filing her Invokana lawsuit in MDL No. 2750, where it will stand alongside other claims alleging similar Invokana adverse effects.

Cynthia states she would not have agreed to take the medication if she had known about potential Invokana adverse effects like diabetic leg amputation.

This Invokana Lawsuit is Case No. 3:17-cv-12083-BRM-LHG, in the U.S. District Court of New Jersey.