Johnson & Johnson and subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceuticals are facing a growing multidistrict litigation consisting of claims alleging serious Invokana adverse effects.

One of the most recent Invokana lawsuits comes from a Kansas woman who allegedly developed diabetic ketoacidosis as a direct result of Invokana adverse effects.

Plaintiff Sharon W. is filing this Invokana lawsuit claiming Invokana adverse effects were directly responsible for her developing diabetic ketoacidosis and kidney failure. Sharon states she was not given an adequate warning about potential diabetic ketoacidosis, nor did the pharmaceutical companies properly disclose this information to her or her physician.

According to her Invokana lawsuit, Sharon was prescribed Invokana in October 2015 for typical treatment purposes. After reviewing marketing materials from Johnson & Johnson, Sharon’s physician recommended Invokana to help manage her type-2 diabetes symptoms.

Combined with diet and exercise, Invokana is supposed to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. During all times relevant, Sharon followed all prescription instructions and physician advice when taking Invokana.

Even with this diligence, Sharon says she developed unexpected Invokana adverse effects during the course of her prescription. Sharon’s Invokana prescription ended in January 2016, around the time she developed diabetic ketoacidosis.

Overview of Invokana Adverse Effects

Diabetic ketoacidosis occurs when the body is forced to metabolize fat instead of sugar. This causes the blood to become very acidic and can cause potentially fatal damage to the patient’s kidneys.

Invokana is a part of the SGLT2 inhibitor drug family, which works by preventing the body’s blood sugar levels from getting too high by expelling excess sugar through urination. By keeping blood sugar and insulin levels balanced, SGLT2 inhibitors are supposed to prevent the onset of diabetic attack and other serious symptoms.

However, this has not been the case for many Invokana patients who allege they developed diabetic ketoacidosis.

The FDA released a public warning on May 15, 2015, stating SGLT2 inhibitors could increase the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis. This warning came after the FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) had received 20 injury reports indicating diabetic ketoacidosis, ketoacidosis, or ketosis in patients who were prescribed SGLT2 inhibitors. These prescriptions were given out between March 2013 and June 2014, with each of the patients requiring hospitalization for these conditions.

Even with this FDA warning, patients still remain at risk for Invokana adverse effects. Johnson & Johnson and Janssen Pharmaceuticals have been accused of minimizing the risks of Invokana adverse effects, while exaggerating the drug’s benefits.

Sharon is filing her Invokana lawsuit as a part of MDL No. 2750, where it will stand alongside other claims alleging similar Invokana adverse effects. By joining an MDL, Sharon’s claim will be streamlined through the litigation process and will avoid potential problems like conflicting rulings from different judges.

Sharon is filing this Invokana lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson seeking multiple damages including multiple counts of negligence and failure to warn.

This Diabetic Ketoacidosis Lawsuit is Case No. 3:18-cv-00076-BRM-LHG, in the U.S. District Court of New Jersey, Trenton Division.