A Tennessee resident has filed an Invokana adverse side effects lawsuit against Janssen Pharmaceuticals for failing to adequately warn about the  risks associated with taking the diabetes medicine, specifically the potential to develop diabetic ketoacidosis.

Plaintiff Tanya P. claims in her Invokana adverse side effects lawsuit that she developed ketoacidosis and other injuries from taking the drug in from February 2014 through September 2015 to treat her type-2 diabetes.

Tanya further alleges that the drug companies willfully concealed their knowledge of Invokana’s “unreasonably dangerous” risks in order to prevent any chances that U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of Invokana would be delayed.

According to Tanya’s Invokana adverse side effects lawsuit, the defendants knew or should have known the risks associated with the use of the diabetes medicine, including the risk of developing ketoacidosis and other life-threatening injuries.

Invokana Facts

Invokana (Invokamet) is a type-2 diabetes medicine manufactured by Janssen Research & Development, LLC. The drug is a SGLT2 inhibitor used in combination with diet and exercise to improve glycemic control and lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Diabetes is a leading cause of death in the United States and leads to serious medical problems, including kidney failure, blindness, heart disease and other health issues.

Invokana was approved by the Food & Drug Administration in March 2013 for treatment of type-2 diabetes. However, in May 2015, the FDA warned in a safety communication that these drug treatments may put patients at risk for a serious health condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis.

What is Diabetic Ketoacidosis?

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a life-threatening medical condition that occurs when cells in the body are unable to get the sugar they need for energy due to a lack of insulin. Insulin plays a major role in helping sugar (glucose) enter cells, and provides needed energy to the muscles and other tissues.

Without enough insulin, the body breaks down fat as an alternative source of energy, which causes a buildup of toxic acids in the bloodstream called ketones. Excess ketones result in ketoacidosis if untreated. Ketoacidosis can result in a patient suffering a diabetic coma, extended hospitalization, and even death.

Symptoms of Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Diabetic ketoacidosis usually develops slowly; however, in some cases the condition can develop within hours. Early symptoms include:

• Thirst or a very dry mouth
• Frequent urination
• High blood glucose (blood sugar) levels
• High levels of ketones in the urine

Later symptoms may include:

• Fatigue
• Dry or flushed skin
• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Fruity odor on breath
• Confusion / hard time paying attention

Did You Suffer Invokana Adverse Side Effects?

If you or someone you care about suffered from diabetic ketoacidosis or other injuries from taking this diabetes drug, you may be eligible to file an Invokana adverse side effects lawsuit.

Attorneys are currently investigating claims against the drug manufacturer by both patients and their families seeking compensation for injuries caused by Invokana. You may be entitled to a substantial settlement.

The Invokana Adverse Side Effects Lawsuit is Case No. 3:16-cv-08938 in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, Trenton Division.