Johnson & Johnson is facing a new product liability claim, from a Florida woman alleging serious side effects. The woman is filing this Invokana lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson, along with subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceuticals, for failing to warn her against Invokana diabetic ketoacidosis and other Invokana complications.

Plaintiff Lisa S. had began taking Invokana in July 2015, to treat her type-2 diabetes symptoms. Along with diet and exercise, Invokana was supposed to make Lisa’s diabetic symptoms manageable. It is important to note that Lisa had several alternative methods to treat her type-2 diabetes, including other medications.

During her Invokana prescription, Lisa says she had followed all prescription instruction and physician’s advice. In addition, Lisa had only used the medication for its intended purpose and did not use the medication for any other purpose.

Even with her diligence, Lisa had reportedly suffered a life threatening complication that was allegedly caused by Invokana. According to her Invokana lawsuit Lisa reportedly suffered a cerebrovascular accident, or stroke, on Jan. 8, 2016.

Stroke is caused by the sudden death of a brain cells due to lack oxygen to the brain, which may be caused by a blockage or rupture of an artery. Lisa was hospitalized for her condition, and later learned of the serious complications associated with her diabetes drug including Invokana diabetic ketoacidosis, kidney damage, heart attack, and stroke.

Overview of Invokana Complications

Invokana diabetic ketoacidosis is one of the most infamous side effects associated with the medication, along with other SGLT2 inhibitors. This group of medications work by preventing the body from absorbing excess blood sugar, signaling the body to expel the excess sugar through urination.

With this process, the SGLT2 inhibitors work directly with the kidneys and are supposed to produce ideal blood sugar levels. Diabetic ketoacidosis occurs when the insulin levels become insufficient, which forces the body to metabolize fat instead of sugar. This causes the blood to become very acidic and creates the build up of ketones, or blood acids.

The FDA warned against Invokana diabetic ketoacidosis, along with other SGLT2 inhibitors, on May 15, 2015. The agency stated these diabetic medications can potentially result in kidney damage or kidney failure, along with the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis.

The FDA reported that its Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) had indicated 20 cases of SGLT2 inhibitor diabetic ketoacidosis, including Invokana diabetic ketoacidosis, from between March 2013 and June 6, 2014. Upon learning of these serious side effects of Invokana, Lisa decided to file legal action against Johnson & Johnson and is joining MDL No. 2750.

By joining an MDL (multidistrict litigation), Lisa’s Invokana lawsuit will not risk encountering duplicate evidence or conflicting rulings from different judges. Furthermore, joining the MDL will streamline the litigation process for her claim, as it will stand alongside other Invokana lawsuits alleging similar injuries.

This Invokana Lawsuit is Case No. 3:17-cv-04129-BRM-LHG, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.