Johnson & Johnson is facing a growing multidistrict litigation over its diabetes drug Invokana. Plaintiffs in these lawsuits allege they suffered a variety of severe Invokana problems like ketoacidosis and diabetic toe amputation.

One of the most recent product liability claims comes from an Ohio man alleging he had to undergo diabetic toe amputation due to Invokana problems he experienced.

Plaintiff Jerry M. believes Johnson & Johnson either knew or should have known about the potential Invokana problems described in his complaint.

According to the Invokana lawsuit, Jerry had been prescribed the type-2 diabetes medication for typical treatment purposes and had relied on the company’s marketing statements describing the drug as safe and effective for blood sugar reduction.

His doctor also reportedly relied on these statements and had no reason to believe that Jerry could be at risk for Invokana problems as severe as diabetic toe amputation. At all times relevant, Jerry says he took Invokana according to prescription instructions and physician advice while never deviating for off label treatment purposes.

Despite following the instructions, Jerry had to eventually undergo amputation of his left great toe.

Overview of Invokana Problems

Type-2 diabetes creates significant public health concerns, with millions of patients contending with the condition on a daily basis. This condition can lead to a number of problems for the patient including insulin shock and lower limb amputation.

Sometimes patients have to undergo diabetic toe amputation, removing a toe, the foot, or part of the leg, due to nerve damage and ulcers developing in the lower extremities.

Ketoacidosis is another concern for Invokana patients. When the body can’t use sugar for energy, it may be forced to metabolize fat instead and create high levels of ketones or blood acids. This makes the blood highly acidic and difficult for the kidneys to filter, often leading to kidney failure and potentially death.

Invokana and other drugs in its medication class, SGLT2 inhibitors, are used to keep blood sugar levels down. These medications do this by signaling the kidneys to expel excess sugar through urination, and are supposed to work well when combined with diet and exercise.

However, it has recently been alleged that Invokana, Invokamet, and Invokamet XR have been increasing patients’ risk both for lower limb amputation and for diabetic ketoacidosis. The FDA recently confirmed these medications are linked to a significant increase in lower limb amputations in a May 2017 safety announcement.

In addition to the lower limb amputations, the FDA has previously warned in a May 2015 announcement that SGLT2 inhibitors can increase the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis. Even though these complications can be potentially devastating, patients allege Johnson & Johnson failed to properly warn against these Invokana problems.

Jerry is joining MDL No. 2750, where his claim will stand alongside other lawsuits alleging similar injuries. Jerry states he would not have agreed to take Invokana if he had known the risks of diabetic toe amputation and diabetic ketoacidosis.

This Invokana Problems Lawsuit is Case No. 3:17-cv-09387, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.