Two diabetes medication lawsuits have been filed against SGLT2 inhibitor manufacturer Johnson & Johnson over allegations that the new type-2 diabetes medication Invokana caused kidney damage and ketoacidosis.

Plaintiff Jennifer A. of California filed a diabetes medication lawsuit after developing the life-threatening medical condition ketoacidosis, which is a build-up of acid in the blood system. Jennifer claims the condition was a direct result of taking the SGLT2 inhibitor Invokana.

According to the Invokana lawsuit, Jennifer was hospitalized from the SGLT2 inhibitor side effects that included vomiting, nausea, severe dehydration, severe abdominal pain, low blood pressure and labored breathing.

Jennifer states in the diabetes medication complaint that Invokana manufacturers Johnson & Johnson and its subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceuticals knew the drug placed extreme pressure on the kidneys and renal system, which indicates it could lead to the development of diabetic ketoacidosis and kidney failure.

The diabetes medication lawsuit alleges that despite this knowledge, manufacturers failed to warn physicians about the risk and marketed the SGLT2 inhibitor as a “safe” medication.

In a separate diabetes medication lawsuit, plaintiff Gene S. of Illinois claims that he suffered kidney damage as a side effect of Invokana. According to this lawsuit, Invokana manufacturers knew the SGLT2 inhibitor could cause kidney failure but did not adequately warn consumers or the medical community.

What are SGLT2 Inhibitors?

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors were introduced to the U.S. market in 2013, starting with Invokana (canagliflozin). The new class of medications were meant to treat type 2 diabetes by helping the body block reabsorption of glucose in the kidneys and secrete it into the urine. Invokana alone has already generated $278 million in sales.

SGLT2 inhibitors are marketed under the following names:

• Invokana (canagliflozin)
• Farxiga (dapagliflozin)
• Jardiance (empagliflozin)
• Invokamet (canagliflozin and metformin)
• Glyxambi (empagliflozin and linagliptin)
• Xigduo XR (dapagliflozin and metformin extended-release)

While the diabetes medications gain in popularity, concerns over possible health risks have been raised.

SGLT2 Inhibitor Health Risks

In May 2015, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning that SGLT2 inhibitors were associated with side effects including ketoacidosis, ketosis or acidosis. In addition to the federal agency warning, the Institute of Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) linked SGLT2 inhibitors to an increased risk of kidney problems.

According to the ISMP, more than 450 adverse events have reported serious side effects of SGLT2 inhibitor Invokana. The group concluded that Invokana received more adverse event reports than 90 percent of the other medications they monitor.

Consumer reported SGLT2 inhibitor side effects include:

• Kidney stones
• Kidney problems
• Kidney failure
• Dehydration
• Urinary tract infections
• Abnormal weight loss
• Ketoacidosis
• Ketosis 
• Acidosis

Diabetes Medication Lawsuits

These two recently filed SGLT2 Inhibitor lawsuits comes as other consumers are trying to determine if they should file diabetes medication lawsuits of their own.

Diabetes medication lawsuits can compensate victims for medical expenses as well as the pain and suffering they have endured. Diabetes medication lawyers are currently investigating claims that SGLT2 inhibitors place type 2 diabetes patients at an increased risk of severe complications.