Following a May 15 Drug Safety Communication issued by the FDA–warning of a high rate of diabetic ketoacidosis linked to Invokana and related type 2 diabetes drugs–the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) has scheduled a fall conference to discuss this and other diabetes medication risks.

What is Invokana?

Invokana (canagliflozin) was the first in a new class of diabetes medications, known as sodium-glucose costransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, that work by altering normal kidney functions so that sugar is excreted through the urine. The FDA approved Invokana in March 2013, and the drug’s market share has rapidly grown. It is now a blockbuster medication, generating an estimated $1 billion in annual sales.

Other new SGLT2 medications include Farxiga, Glyxambi, Jardiance, and Xigduo XR, which are approved as second-line drugs to treat type 2 diabetes.

Since Invokana was introduced, it has been linked to hundreds of adverse event reports of kidney failure, kidney damage, diabetic ketoacidosis, urinary tract infections, hypersensitivity, and weight loss.

Invokana Subject of AACE Conference

Recent reports linking Invokana to diabetic ketoacidosis have caught the attention of a prominent medical group. The AACE says it will convene a two-day conference in October to review data pertaining to the incidence of diabetic ketoacidosis in patients treated with SGLT2 inhibitors, as well as to discuss possible further regulation or warnings for Invokana and other SGLT2 inhibitor drugs.

The AACE is formed by more than 6,000 doctors who specialize in treating patients with diabetes. The goal of this meeting is to assess recent findings about SGLT2 inhibitor diabetic ketoacidosis risks and to present updated safety recommendations to doctors and patients.

What is Ketoacidosis?

According to the FDA, diabetic ketoacidosis is a condition that generally affects type-1 diabetes and is accompanied by high blood sugar levels. It is caused when toxic levels of ketones build up in a patient’s body. However, the incidents reported to the FDA in conjunction with SGLT2 inhibitor use were unusual, as most of the patients had type-2 diabetes and reported blood sugar levels were only slightly elevated.

Ketoacidosis occurs when the body produces excessive levels of blood acids called ketones. Symptoms may include difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, and unusual fatigue or sleepiness.

In just one year, the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) reported that the SGLT2 inhibitor drug Invokana had been named in more adverse event reports as a result of diabetic ketoacidosis than up to 92 percent of all drugs they monitor.

Because the condition can lead to diabetic coma and death, the FDA has recommended that patients using SGLT inhibitors contact their medial providers immediately should they experience any symptoms associated with diabetic ketoacidosis.

Invokana Lawsuits

At this time, attorneys are investigating the possibility of filing Invokana diabetic ketoacidosis lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson, claiming that the drug maker knew or should have known of the high risk of diabetic ketoacidosis associated with their diabetes medication but failed to provide adequate warning in an effort to protect their own profits.

If you or a loved one suffered serious Invokana side effects or side effects from Farxiga, Jardiance or another SGLT2 inhibitor drug, you may be owed substantial compensation for medical expenses and other damages.