Invokana (canagliflozin) is a popular diabetes medication in a new class of drugs called SGLT-2 inhibitors.

Manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, Invokana was the first SGLT-2 inhibitor drug to be FDA approved in 2013.

Later, Janssen combined the active ingredient found in Invokanawith metformin, another oral diabetes drug, and the combination drug is known as Invokamet.

Invokana and other SGLT-2 inhibitors work by affecting the sodium-glucose-linked transporter 2 (or sodium glucose so-transporter 2 as it is sometimes called) protein located in the duct system of the kidney. The glucose transporters are responsible for reabsorbing glucose back into the kidney.

As inhibitors of the SGLT-2 protein, oral medications like Invokana block the reabsorption of glucose into the kidney. Rather than re-enter the kidney, the glucose it taken out and excreted in the urine so it is no longer in the body.

Invokana and Ketoacidosis

Diabetic ketoacidosis (also known as DKA) is caused when ketones are abnormally high in the body, causing harm. Ketones are produced in the body when it is unable to use glucose in the cells and instead breaks down fat as a fuel source for energy.

The byproduct of this fat metabolism leads to ketones, and causes the blood to become too acidic. The condition can develop rapidly and can be life-threatening over a short period of time.

Initial symptoms of ketoacidosis may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Breathing difficulty
• Confusion
• Fatigue or sleepiness that is excessive
• Feeling lightheaded or on the verge of fainting
• “Fruity” breath
• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Nausea
• Vomiting

In type-2 diabetes, the development of ketoacidosis is rare, and the condition is usually seen in type-1 diabetes. Because of this rarity, individuals with type-2 diabetes may not recognize the symptoms.

Ketoacidosis can also cause the body to develop other disease conditions, including cardiovascular issues. A dangerously low blood pressure, blood clots and heart attack may result from ketoacidosis.

The body can be affected in other ways, such as via brain swelling (also known as cerebral edema) and intestinal tissue damage due to lack of blood flow. Dehydration and electrolyte balance can also occur, affecting heart rhythm and can damage the kidneys, leading to failure. Coma may also result, and the mortality rate due to ketoacidosis is about 1 to 5%.

In May of 2015, the FDA issued a warning regarding an increased risk of ketoacidosis and SGLT-2 inhibitors, including Invokana. The FDA had received more than 20 reports of adverse side effects of Invokana and other SGLT-2 inhibitors between March 2013 and April 2014, prompting the warning.

Invokana Lawsuit Information

If you or a loved one experienced ketoacidosis or other serious side effects of Invokana, Invokamet or any other SGLT-2 inhibitor diabetes medication, you may have a legal claim.

Attorneys are currently investing the possibility of taking action to represent plaintiffs in a class action lawsuit against the manufacturers of these diabetes drugs. A lawyer can assist you by conducting a free case review and discussing your eligibility.