The widely used diabetes drug Invokana has been linked in a growing number of lawsuits with a variety of severe Invokana kidney injuries, including kidney failure.

Invokana is a highly popular diabetes drug manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson.

Invokana is used to lower the blood pressure of type-2 diabetes patients, and is one of several drugs belonging to the sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor family, which are more commonly known as SGLT2 inhibitors.

Invokana and other SGLT2 inhibitors work by inhibiting certain kidney functions in order to lower a patient’s blood glucose level.

Unfortunately, Invokana and other SGLT2 inhibitors have been linked with a number of serious Invokana kidney injuries, including kidney failure.

Other SGLT2 inhibitors include Invokamet, Farxiga, Xigduo XR, Jardiance, and Glyxambi.

Invokana Side Effects

Besides Invokana ketoacidosis side effects, SGLT2 inhibitors are also linked with a number of other serious side effects. These side effects 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

One of the most serious possible Invokana kidney injuries is undoubtedly kidney failure, a condition that occurs when a patient’s kidneys stop functioning. This is a dangerous condition, because without proper kidney function, the waste products, fluids, and electrolytes that would normally be filtered and regulated by the kidneys are allowed to build up in the body.

This build up can result in weakness, shortness of breath, lethargy, confusion, abnormal heart rhythms, and even sudden death.

Medical help should be sought immediately by patients experiencing Invokana kidney injuries. Sometimes, simple cessation of the medication can counteract Invokana kidney injuries and allow kidney function to return to normal. For others, however, further treatment or even hospitalization is necessary.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has acknowledged reports of Invokana kidney injuries, releasing a warning in response about some of its side effects. The FDA noted in the warning that Invokana and other SGLT2 inhibitors may raise blood acid to a danger, and possibly even life-threatening, level.

Unusually high levels of blood acid indicate a condition also known as ketoacidosis, which may require hospitalization. Since the warning was released, the FDA has required that Invokana and other SGLT2 inhibitor warning labels include the risk of ketoacidosis.

Invokana Kidney Injuries Lawsuits

Lawsuits filed over Invokana kidney injuries against the manufacturers of these diabetes drugs allege that the drugs increase a patient’s risk of kidney failure, among other serious Invokana kidney injuries caused by Invokana.

According to kidney failure lawsuits, had the manufacturers of these drugs adequately warned the public and the medical community of the risk of Invokana kidney injuries, patients would have chosen a safer alternative and subsequently avoided serious injury.

Lawsuits further claim that, even if plaintiffs did choose to use Invokana or a similar drug, a proper warning from the drug’s manufacturer would allow them to be monitored for signs of Invokana kidney injuries.

If you or someone you know has suffered from significant Invokana kidney injuries, such as kidney failure, you may be able to file an Invokana lawsuit.

While filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering of Invokana kidney injuries, pursuing a lawsuit could result in financial compensation that would help with medical expenses and lost wages, as well as emotional and physical suffering.