Type 2 diabetes is a serious disease affecting more than 29 million people in the United States.  It requires specific medication to control. However, common type 2 diabetes drugs like Invokamet have caused serious problems for some users.

In fact, in May 2015, the FDA issued a warning about possible negative Invokana side effects, specifically that Invokana and other certain diabetes medications may lead to ketoacidosis, a potentially fatal condition.

Invokana Side Effects

There are many possible Invokana side effects, including:

• Diabetic ketoacidosis
• Lactic acidosis
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Kidney failure
• Kidney stones
• Urinary tract infections
• Coma
• Death

In May 2015, the FDA issued a warning about the possible negative Invokana side effects, specifically that Invokana and other SGLT2 inhibitors may lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, a potentially fatal condition.

Ketoacidosis Causes and Symptoms

One of the most severe Invokana side effects is ketoacidosis. Ketoacidosis is a serious medical condition which may require hospitalization. If not properly treated, ketoacidosis may lead to diabetic coma, cerebral edema or death.

Ketoacidosis occurs when the body does not have enough insulin to properly metabolize fatty acids known as ketones.  Excessive amounts of ketones can cause the blood’s pH to drop.

Signs of ketoacidosis often develop quickly, sometimes within 24 hours or less. In some patients, the following symptoms may be the first sign of having diabetic ketoacidosis:

• Excessive thirst
• Frequent urination
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Weakness or fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Fruity-scented breath
• Confusion

More specific signs of ketoacidosis, which can be detected through blood or urine testing kits, include:

• High blood sugar level (hyperglycemia)
• High ketone levels in the urine

The FDA received approximately 20 reports of patients who were treated with SGLT2 inhibitors between March 2013 and June 2014, and subsequently developed ketoacidosis. All of the reported patients required treatment in a hospital.

Treatments for ketoacidosis can include fluid therapy, insulin therapy and electrolyte therapy.

Filing an Invokana Lawsuit

Since the FDA issued its first safety communication in March 2015, a number of diabetes medication lawsuits have been filed on behalf of patients who were allegedly harmed as a result of SGLT2 inhibitors like Invokana.

Have you or a loved one experienced dangerous Invokana side effects such as ketoacidosis after taking the drug? Invokana and other type 2 diabetes medications which include canagliflozin as their active ingredient have been linked to ketoacidosis causes.

Legal help is available for those who may have developed diabetic ketoacidosis and other complications allegedly associated with Invokana or another SGLT2 inhibitor. An experienced attorney can provide you with a free, no-obligation Invokana lawsuit review.