An Oregon woman recently filed a lawsuit against Janssen Pharmaceuticals, alleging the company failed to warn of a link between its drug Invokana and ketoacidosis complications.

The plaintiff, Debbie R., filed her lawsuit on June 30^th, 2017 against Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a prominent subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson. The suit was filed in the U.S District Court for the District of New Jersey.

According to the lawsuit, Debbie started taking Invokana and ketoacidosis symptoms soon followed, which eventually led to acute kidney injury. The lawsuit claims that these complications of Invokana and ketoacidosis are directly linked, and that Debbie will continue to suffer from these complications.

Background of this Invokana and Ketoacidosis Lawsuit

Debbie says she began taking Invokana at the direction of her doctor in order to improve her glycemic control in March 2015. However, in October—just a few months later—Debbie developed diabetic ketoacidosis and acute kidney injury. She alleges these complications required several days of hospitalization, and on top of the physical pain of the side effects of Invokana and ketoacidosis, Debbie was also hit with serious medical expenses as a result.

The Invokana lawsuit claims that this is a direct result of taking Invokana—and, more than that, a result of Janssen’s alleged failure to conduct proper studies, follow safety requirements, and give adequate warning.

The Invokana and ketoacidosis lawsuit was filed on multiple counts, including design defect, failure to warn, negligence, gross negligence, breach of express and implied warranties, fraudulent misrepresentation and concealment, fraud, and several others. Debbie also filed for punitive damages.

What is Invokana?

Invokana (also known as canagliflozin, its generic name) was first introduced to the drug market in 2013 and is manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals. Invokana is one of several major diabetes drugs known as sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors. SGLT2 inhibitor drugs like Invokana are part of a fairly new class of diabetes drugs, but have grown rapidly in popularity.

Despite the popularity of these new diabetes drugs, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received a number of adverse event reports regarding Invokana side effects, and has since required Janssen to add a series of warnings to the Invokana label about these risks. The warning urged users to be aware of the link between Invokana and ketoacidosis, and look out for its symptoms including abdominal pain, fatigue, nausea, respiratory problems, and vomiting.

Invokana Complications

Invokana has been linked with a number of serious complications, including diabetic ketoacidosis and lower extremity amputation.

Side effects reported in conjunction with Invokana treatment include:

• Dehydration (dizziness, lightheadedness)
• Vaginal yeast infection
• Yeast infection of the penis
• Low blood sugar
• Serious allergic reaction
• Ketoacidosis
• Kidney failure

Filing a Lawsuit over Invokana and Ketoacidosis

Invokana lawsuits claim that the drug makers failed to adequately warn about the link between Invokana and ketoacidosis. If you or someone you love has suffered due to side effects of Invokana, you may be able to file a lawsuit. While filing a lawsuit cannot reverse the side effects of Invokana, pursuing an Invokana lawsuit can help to alleviate the financial burden caused by medical expenses and lost wages.

The Invokana and Ketoacidosis Lawsuit is Case No. 3:17-cv-04874-BRM-LHG, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.