A drug used to treat Type-2 diabetes comes with cardiovascular benefits, according to a recent online article but also with the risk of possibly having to endure Invokana amputations.

In other words, Invokana, a medication belonging to the class of drugs known as sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, is a mixed blessing.

According to the article, two studies, one completed prior to Invokana’s commercial debut and one after as required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), underscored both the heart protection benefits and higher risk of experiencing Invokana amputations.

The Canagliflozin (generic name for Invokana) Cardiovascular Assessment Study (CANVAS) and CANVAS 2 studies followed 10,142 diabetics with previous histories of heart-related events or current cardiac problems taking Invokana.

According to the Dr. Bruce Neal, the commingled data revealed that the drug stopped adverse heart events from occurring in about 23 out of every 1,000 enrollees and seemed to do so while also decreasing kidney issues. These were favorable findings that are worthy of examination in a benefit-risk analysis.

Jardiance and Farxiga, other drugs in this SGLT2 inhibitor class put out by different pharmaceutical manufacturers, are likewise revealing a positive trend in terms of cardiovascular and kidney protection.

Dr. Neal cautiously extrapolates in the report that the positives may extend to the entire class and be based upon the mechanism of action.

SGLT2 inhibitors stop a protein that is produced in the kidneys. The SGLT2 protein causes the body to grab glucose out of the urine and reabsorb it into the bloodstream. With it blocked, excess glucose is not recirculated but is eliminated. This helps to achieve blood glucose control.

The Dark Side of Invokana Amputations

On the other and darker side of the benefit-risk analysis is the possibility of having to endure Invokana amputations.

Invokana amputations of the toes and first part of the foot and occasionally above the ankle joint occur twice as often in those taking canagliflozin than in a placebo-taking control group.

The FDA is concerned enough about this darker side of Invokana amputations that they have advised Johnson & Johnson to add a black box warning to the label.

A black box warning contains vital drug risk information in bold typeface surrounded by a bold box which draws the eyes to the content. It is the highest type of label warning available.

Invokana already comes with warnings concerning the possibility of kidney injury and urinary tract infections. In Europe, the label for the entire SGLT2 inhibitor class has a black box warning for amputation.

Dr. Neal indicates that further studies will have to be undertaken to figure out the reasons behind the increased risk for Invokana amputations. He also believes further investigation is warranted to see if the risk generates to the entire class.

Have you or a loved one taken Invokana, Invokamet, or Invokamet XR and had to endure an amputation? You may have a legal claim.

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