The FDA recently released a new safety warning regarding popular type-2 diabetes treatment drug Invokana (canagliflozin) and its alleged association with several serious health conditions.

The agency’s warning pertained to Invokana kidney failure, urinary tract infection, and diabetic ketoacidosis all of which can lead to chronic or potentially fatal results.

Invokana was approved by the FDA in 2013 as a type-2 diabetes treatment medication.

However, not long after its release, the FDA had to send out public warnings against serious side effects, including Invokana kidney failure.

On Dec. 4, 2015, the FDA stated it had received 19 injury reports indicating Invokana and other SGLT2 inhibitors could potentially induce life threatening kidney complications.

The agency received these reports between March 2013 and October 2014, stating that all 19 patients needed to be hospitalized and required dialysis.

However the concern of Invokana kidney failure had been the subject of many consumer advocacy groups, including the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP).

According to the QuarterWatch report released in May 2015, Invokana had been linked to over 457 serious injuries during its first year on the market.

This included 54 reports of Invokana kidney failure. Recently, in June 2016, the FDA had updated Invokana’s warning label to include acute injury.

The agency stated it had received 101 reports of acute Invokana kidney injury from March 2013 to October 2015.

Overview of Invokana Kidney Failure

Invokana kidney failure is a very serious concern, as kidneys are a vital functioning organ that filters the waste from blood and insures the overall functionality of the body.

In addition, kidney problems are already an existing concern to type-2 diabetes patients as the disease may eventually break down the organs over time.

Invokana is apart of the sodium-glucose co-transporter (SGLT2) inhibitor drug family, which work by signaling the kidneys to extract excess and filter excess glucose through urination.

This process stops the kidneys from reabsorbing the sugar, and ultimately levels the body’s glucose levels.

Invokana’s treatment mechanism is also important for the body, as it signals the body increase its insulin production to insure that energy from cells is retrieved.

Even though many type-2 diabetes patients rely on this medication to help manage their symptoms, it is possible they could be at risk for Invokana kidney failure.

Patients who believe they have suffered Invokana kidney failure or other serious complications, may be able to file legal action against the manufacturer.

Potential claimants should contact a specialized lawyer to determine their eligibility to file an Invokana lawsuit.