Johnson & Johnson is facing a new Invokana lawsuit after a Kentucky woman allegedly suffered major health complications after using the medication.

The claimant alleges she suffered Invokana life-threatening side effects in the form of kidney damage and diabetic ketoacidosis.

Furthermore, the claimant alleges the medication had compounded her diabetic condition and she will now have to contend with chronic side effects of diabetic ketoacidosis.

Plaintiff Doris T. is alleging Invokana life-threatening side effects, which reportedly developed soon after being prescribed the medication.

Doris was prescribed Invokana by her physician in August 2014, which was supposed to be used in conjunction with healthy diet and exercise regime.

Combined with a her new healthier lifestyle, Invokana was supposed to offset her diabetic symptoms by keeping balanced blood sugar levels.

Even though Doris had used Invokana as instructed by the warning label, as well as the advice of her physician, she still allegedly developed Invokana life-threatening side effects.

On Oct. 20, 2015, Doris was diagnosed and hospitalized for diabetic ketoacidosis.

This condition is caused by the build up of toxins, or ketones, in the bloodstream that often results in kidney damage.

According to her lawsuit, Doris did indeed develop serious kidney injury and was even at risk for kidney failure.

Invokana Ketoacidosis Correlation

Invokana was recently approved by the FDA in 2013, and is a member of the sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor medication family.

These medications are popularly prescribed to patients with type-2 diabetes to help the body regulate insulin and blood sugar levels.

SGLT2 inhibitors lower blood sugar by signaling the body to not reabsorb glucose, and then expelling the excess sugar through urination.

By proxy, these medications work directly with the kidneys, giving possibility to kidney problems.

Diabetic ketoacidosis occurs when the body no longer is able to metabolize sugar, and instead metabolizes fat. This causes the body to create ketones, which makes the body’s blood supply very acidic.

Diabetic ketoacidosis can be potentially fatal, as it can lead to chronic kidney damage and even kidney failure.

On May 15, 2015, the FDA had warned the public and medical community against the alleged connection between SGLT2 inhibitors and diabetic ketoacidosis.

Before this alleged correlation had been publicized, Doris and other patients had no knowledge of these potential Invokana life-threatening side effects.

At all times relevant, Doris had used the medication for its intended purpose and did not deviate from prescription instructions, according to her lawsuit.

Johnson & Johnson had allegedly failed to warn Doris and her physician of these Invokana life-threatening side effects.

Doris states that she never would have taken Invokana if she had known of the possible Invokana life-threatening side effects.

The Invokana Lawsuit is Case No. 3:16-cv-658-TBR, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Western Kentucky.