Johnson & Johnson and subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceuticals are facing a growing multidistrict litigation (MDL), consisting of claims alleging serious injuries like Invokana toe amputation. One of the most recent claims comes from a Florida woman, alleging she had to undergo Invokana toe amputation due to the defective nature of the company’s medication.

Plaintiff Nicole H. filed legal action after undergoing Invokana toe amputation, after the FDA warned that Invokana and other members of its drug class could increase the chances of lower limb amputation. Nicole alleges that as with millions of other patients who were prescribed Invokana, her physician had reviewed marketing materials provided by Johnson & Johnson.

These marketing statements allegedly stated Invokana would be an effective treatment mechanism for type-2 diabetes patients, with minimal risk for serious side effects. With these marketing statements in mind, Nicole says, she was prescribed the medication to help manage her type-2 diabetes.

Invokana’s treatment mechanism works focus on maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, by preventing the body from reabsorbing glucose and expelling excess sugar through urination. With this treatment mechanism, Invokana was supposed to lower the risk of serious diabetic complications like amputation.

However, Nicole says she had to undergo partial Invokana toe amputation on her second toe of her left foot on June 18, 2014. Several months later, she had to undergo a complete Invokana toe amputation on Oct. 27, 2014 and then suffered a resection of the bone of the first and fourth toes on her right foot on Feb. 26, 2016.

Nicole says she had to be hospitalized with intense medical treatment. She filed legal action alleging Johnson & Johnson either knew or should have known about potential Invokana toe amputation.

Overview of Invokana Complications

Invokana (canagliflozin) is a recently approved type-2 diabetes medication, and is a part of the SGLT2 inhibitor medication family. When used in conjunction with healthy diet and exercise, SGLT2 inhibitors are supposed to manage type-2 diabetes symptoms and prolong their lifespan.

Recent injury claims alleging Invokana toe amputation have spurred major concern in the medical community. The FDA released an official warning regarding Invokana lower limb amputation in May 16, 2017, with the agency stating that canagliflozin medications could double the risk of lower limb amputation in type-2 diabetes patients.

Lower limb amputation is sometimes necessary for type-2 diabetes, because nerves in the legs and feet become damaged or die out. This can lead to ulcers and foot swelling, which often leads to amputation. It has been noted the risk is higher in patients who are already suffering from nerve damage or peripheral vascular disease.

Even though Invokana and other SGLT2 inhibitors are supposed to prevent this side effect, numerous patients have reported they needed to undergo amputation. It is currently unknown if this is due to the drug’s treatment mechanism, or if the medication is defective.

This Invokana amputation lawsuit is being filed in MDL No. 2750, where it will stand alongside other claims alleging Invokana toe amputation. By joining an MDL, Nicole’s claim will be streamlined through the litigation process, and will avoid potential problems like conflicting rulings from different judges.

Nicole states that she would not have agreed to take the type-2 diabetes medication if she had known the risk of Invokana toe amputation.

This Invokana Toe Amputation Lawsuit is Case No. 3:18-cv-03868-BRM-LHG, in the U.S. District Court of New Jersey.