Invokana (canagliflozin) is one of the newest type-2 diabetes medications on the market, but it is already facing major product liability allegations, with over 50 reports of kidney problems and kidney failure during its first year on the market.

Manufactured and marketed by Johnson & Johnson subsidiary, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Invokana was approved by the FDA in March 2013 for type-2 diabetes patients.

This drug is the first member of the newly developed sodium glucose contransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor drug family.

In contrast to other type-2 diabetes medications, SGLT2 inhibitors work by expelling excess sugar through urination by inhibiting certain functions in the kidney.

More specifically, Invokana inhibits the sodium-glucose contransporter-2 protein in the kidneys that stops the organ from reabsorbing sugar.

However, this treatment mechanism is linked directly to kidney function, which is believed to trigger kidney problems and increases the risk of kidney failure.

According to the May 2015 QuarterWatch report, the Institute of Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) stated that Invokana had induced 457 serious injuries in patients in the first year of its release.

This included 54 reports of kidney failure or kidney problems, spurring the FDA to release its own warning on Dec. 04, 2015.

The agency stated that between March 2013 and October 2014, the FDA had received 19 SGLT2 inhibitors injury reports indicating serious complications like kidney problems or blood infections.

In each of these cases, the patients had to be hospitalized and receive dialysis to for kidney failure.

Overview of Invokana Kidney Failure

The function of the kidneys is vital for the biological functions of the patient, with these organs responsible for blood filters. This means that without the kidneys, the blood would be filled with waste and toxins, causing potentially fatal complications for patients.

Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys can no longer filter the blood due to injury, toxicity, disease, or other circumstances. If caught in time, kidney problems can be treatable but total kidney failure requires dialysis and organ transplant.

The FDA and other medical experts warn Invokana patients against kidney problems, looking out for adverse symptoms including:

• Loss of Appetite
• Feeling Ill or Fatigue
• Headaches
• Itchy or Dry Skin
• Nausea
• Unexpected Weight Loss

At this point in time, it is uncertain why Invokana may be triggering kidney failure in some patients but it may be linked to certain biological reactions.

Despite the severity of kidney failure, Janssen Pharmaceuticals failed to warn patients and physicians against the possibility. Invokana patients affected by kidney failure or kidney problems may be eligible to file legal action against the manufacturer, and should contact a specialized lawyer to determine if they have a claim.