Invokana, a popular diabetes medication, has been linked to a number of serious side effects, including ketoacidosis.

Invokana belongs to a class of drugs known as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. These drugs are used to lower the blood sugar of adult type 2 diabetes patients. Invokana and other medications like it work to lower blood glucose levels by inhibiting some kidney function.

Invokana Side Effects

Potential side effects of the medication include, but are not limited to:

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

Invokana Ketoacidosis

The FDA has issued a warning about diabetes medication side effects, which has in turn prompted new studies about the drug.

A new ketoacidosis study, published in the medical journal Diabetes Care, found that type 1 diabetes patients who take Invokana may face an increased risk of ketoacidosis.

Invokana has only been approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, not type 1 diabetes. However, it is often prescribed “off-label” to patients with type 1 diabetes.

The study found that patients taking 100 mg dosage had a 5.4 percent rate of ketone-related Invokana side effects, which included ketoacidosis. Patients taking the 300 mg dosage experienced Invokana side effects at a 9.4 percent rate.

It is important to recognize Invokana ketoacidosis symptoms, as they can lead to major health problems. Diabetic ketoacidosis symptoms include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Confusion
• Fatigue
• Sleepiness

Though the increased risk of ketoacidosis is fairly low, the condition can sometimes result in severe health complications, even involving emergency hospital treatment. Symptoms of ketoacidosis should be taken seriously.

Invokana Ketoacidosis Lawsuits

After FDA warnings about Invokana side effects, as well as recent studies, many consumers have begun pursuing Invokana lawsuits. Plaintiffs involved in Invokana lawsuits allege that the drug’s maker failed to adequately warn the public and the medical community about the drug’s potential side effects, including ketoacidosis.

Lawsuits claim that information about the drug’s risks was actively withheld from the public and the medical community.

Though the company continues to market the drug as safe and effective, these lawsuits claim that the risks of potential side effects outweigh the benefits, especially given that there are other, allegedly safer options.

If you or someone you know has suffered from diabetes drug side effects, including diabetic ketoacidosis, from Invokana or a similar diabetes medication, you may be able to file a diabetes side effects lawsuit.

Plaintiffs involved in these lawsuits hope to gain some kind of financial compensation in return for their pain and suffering, as well as for any medical expenses they may have incurred as a result of diabetes drug side effects.