The side effects of Invokana have become prevalent concerns to the vast population of type-2 diabetes patients in the United States, who have to contend with their diabetic symptoms and keep up with a strict drug treatment regimen.

As one of the most popular type-2 diabetes medications in the country, the side effects of Invokana need to be taken seriously as they can potentially compound the patient’s condition. The FDA warned the public about Invokana side effects on May 15, 2015, specifically warning against potential diabetic ketoacidosis and kidney failure.

According to the FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), there were 20 cases of diabetic ketoacidosis allegedly caused by Invokana and other SGLT2 inhibitors between March 2013 and June 6, 2014. Each of these patients was hospitalized or had to be treated in the emergency room due to this condition, which can lead to severe kidney damage if not treated quickly.

Diabetic ketoacidosis occurs when ketones, or blood acids, build up due to the body metabolizing fat instead of sugar. The body stops being able to properly metabolize sugar when the body’s insulin production is low, which is a risk with type-2 diabetes patients.

Other side effects of Invokana reported by patients include chronic kidney disease, which can occur due to the high levels of sugar being excreted through urination. In addition, serious urinary tract infection can occur from the same effect and can also cause a loss in kidney function.

There are a number of other serious complications reported in conjunction with Invokana side effects including:

• Cardiovascular Attack
• Stroke
• Amputation (due to extreme oxygen deprivation caused by cardiovascular symptoms)
• Acute Pancreatitis

Overview of Invokana Complications

Many of the serious side effects of Invokana reported by patients may be linked to the medication’s treatment mechanism for managing the body’s sugar levels. Invokana and other SGLT2 inhibitors work by expelling excess sugar through urination, which combined with diet and exercise is supposed to help type-2 diabetes patients maintain healthy levels of blood sugar.

When Invokana was first released in the United States in 2013, the medical community and patient population was excited for this unique treatment mechanism. However, the large amounts of sugar into the urinary tract may cause blood potassium levels to increase.

Even though Invokana has helped numerous patients, the serious complications allegedly associated with the medication have caused great concern in the medical community. Manufacturing company Johnson & Johnson is currently facing numerous allegations from injured patients claiming the company failed to properly warn them about possible Invokana side effects.

Patients who were allegedly injured by the side effects of Invokana may be able to file legal action against the company. Potential claimants should contact a knowledgeable pharmaceutical products liability lawyer to determine eligibility for an Invokana lawsuit.