According to the American Diabetes Association, type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Invokana, or canagliflozin, is a popular treatment for type 2 diabetes.

However, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Safety Communication issued in 2015, taking Invokana may lead to ketoacidosis, a dangerous condition in which the body produces high levels of blood acids.

What is Invokana and Why is it Prescribed?

Certain diabetes medications known as SGLT2 inhibitors, including Invokana, are intended to treat type 2 diabetes by lowering a person’s blood sugar and causing the kidneys to remove it through the urine.

As an SGLT2 inhibitor, Invokana (canagliflozin) is used in combination with diet and exercise to improve glycemic control and lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes.

However, Invokana may cause the release of excess levels of acidic ketones, which can result in very serious side effects.

Serious Invokana Side Effects

• Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) – A serious diabetes complication where the body produces excess blood acids (ketones).
• Renal toxicity
• Kidney failure
• Bone Fractures
• Coma
• Death

FDA: Safety Concerns over Invokana Ketoacidosis

According to an FDA Safety Communication, taking Invokana or other SGLT2 inhibitors can increase the risk of ketoacidosis, which occurs when a high level of acids called ketones accumulate in the blood.

Common symptoms of ketoacidosis include:

• Decreased alertness
• Deep, rapid breathing
• Dry skin and mouth
• Flushed face
• Frequent urination and thirst
• Fruity-smelling breath
• Headache
• Muscle stiffness or aches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach pain

If Invokana-induced DKA is severe enough, it could lead to diabetic coma and other serious complications which include brain edema, or fluid on the brain, a heart attack, or kidney failure.

What are the Risks of Taking Invokana?

On top of DKA warnings from the FDA, there are more concerns when it comes to this diabetes medication. The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) published a warning in their May 6th edition of Quarter Watch which warns about a number of adverse reactions being reported to the FDA about Invokana.

In the first year after Invokana was released, there were over 450 adverse event reports filed.

• 54 reports of kidney failure
• 54 cases of severe hydration or fluid imbalance
• 11 cases of kidney stones
• 50 cases or urinary tract infections
• 52 cases of abnormal weight loss
• 50 cases of hypersensitivity (swelling of the tongue, lips, throat, face)

Invokana Lawsuits Filed

Diabetes patients filing an Invokana lawsuit allege that the manufacturers and marketers of SGLT2 inhibitors failed to warn patients and physicians of the increased risks of kidney failure, cardiovascular issues and ketoacidosis to patients taking Invokana.

The lawsuits claim that if the drug makers had adequately warned of the risks, patients would have been able to make a more informed decision on treatment for their diabetes and may have opted for a substitute medication.

If you took Invokana for diabetes and are now diagnosed with DKA or other Invokana side effects, you may be entitled to a significant settlement.