More doctors and patients are reporting their concerns about the reported link between Invokana and amputations. This alleged link has also sparked a number of Invokana lawsuits.

Some lawsuits allege that patients taking the diabetes drug were not aware of the connection between Invokana and amputations when they first receive the drug, putting the user at risk without his or her knowledge.

In the last two decades, lower limb amputations associated with diabetes complications has dropped by nearly fifty percent. However, some lawsuits allege that patients don’t know they are at risk because Invokana allegedly raises the risk of amputations.

In 2013, Invokana first came on the market. At that time, the drug was seen as a major breakthrough for patients who wanted to manage their diabetes. However, according to patient reports, the use of this drug also increases the risk of significant side effects, including amputations.

Many of the claims related to Invokana and amputations have to do with lower extremities, such as amputations of the feet and toes. Certain diabetics could also be at risk for amputations below the knee as well.

According to research compiled by the CDC, almost 67 percent of the amputations in the U.S. are connected to diabetes and its complications. Diabetics already face a high risk of amputation to begin with — as much as 28 times higher than for those patients who don’t have diabetes.

The elderly and men are the most likely to experience amputations, although users of certain diabetes drugs should also be aware of the risk, especially as it relates to Invokana and amputations.

Many different users have reported dangerous side effects of the popular diabetes drug, including broken bones, kidney problems, urinary tract infections, and ketoacidosis, though the most dangerous side effect is the link between Invokana and amputations.

Black box warnings were added to the drug in 2017 at the request of the FDA because of the rising concern about Invokana and amputations. In particular, the label warned patients about problems with leg and foot amputations associated with the drug.

Studies Reveal Link Between Invokana and Amputations

Two major clinical trials showed the issues with Invokana and amputations. Those studies found that foot and leg amputations had to be completed twice as often for those patients taking Invokana when compared with patients using a placebo.

Many of the patients in those studies who experienced issues with Invokana and amputations had their toe or the middle of their foot amputated. Others experienced amputations below or above the knee. Some of those users even underwent multiple amputations.

According to the outcome of those studies about Invokana and amputations, one out of every 69 patients regularly taking Invokana will have an amputation related to the medication itself. Those studies did not delve into why Invokana caused amputations.

Diabetics are already more sensitive to side effects and problems because of their underlying condition. Invokana lawsuits allege that these patients are not being told about the risks of Invokana and amputations and that those who used the drug prior to the black box warning were unnecessarily exposed to danger.