Invokana, a widely prescribed diabetes drug, has been linked to severe and possibly dangerous Invokana ketoacidosis side effects.

The FDA released a warning in response, noting that SGLT2 inhibitor drugs like Invokana may release the acid in the blood to a dangerous or even life-threatening level.

This condition is known as ketoacidosis, or unusually high levels of blood acids called ketones. Ketoacidosis may require hospitalization.

Because of the severity of ketoacidosis and the FDA’s warning, patients who take Invokana to treat diabetes should be aware of Invokana ketoacidosis side effects and symptoms. These symptoms include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Confusion
• Unusual fatigue or sleepiness

While ketoacidosis is a serious condition, patients should not stop taking their diabetes medication without the guidance of their doctor.

Since its warning, he FDA has since revised the labels of Invokana and other SGLT2 inhibitors to include the risk of ketoacidosis.

What is Invokana?

Invokana, a highly popular diabetes drug, is used to lower the blood pressure of type-2 diabetes patients.

Invokana is one of several drugs belonging to the sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor family, which are more commonly known as SGLT2 inhibitors. Invokana and other SGLT2 inhibitors work by inhibiting certain kidney functions in order to lower a patient’s blood glucose level.

Unfortunately, Invokana and other SGLT2 inhibitors have been linked with a number of serious Invokana ketoacidosis side effects, including kidney failure.

The SGLT2 inhibitors included in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s investigation are the following:

• Invokana (canagliflozin)
• Invokamet (canagliflozin and metformin)
• Farxiga (dapagliflozin)
• Xigduo XR (dapagliflozin and metformin extended-release)
• Jardiance (empagliflozin)
• Glyxambi (empagliflozin and linagliptin)

Between March 2013 and June 2014, the FDA has received 20 adverse event reports from patients taking SGLT2 inhibitors over Invokana ketoacidosis side effects.

These 20 patients ended up either in the emergency room or in the hospital for treatment of Invokana ketoacidosis side effects. Since June 2014, even more adverse event reports have been filed over Invokana ketoacidosis side effects.

Other Invokana Side Effects

Besides Invokana ketoacidosis side effects, SGLT2 inhibitors are also linked with a number of other serious side effects. These side effects include, but are not limited to:

• Dehydration (dizziness, lightheadedness)
• Vaginal yeast infection
• Yeast infection of the penis
• Low blood sugar
• Serious allergic reaction
• Kidney problems, including kidney failure

Invokana Lawsuits

While the FDA is still investigating Invokana side effects, some Invokana users have responded by filing lawsuits against Janssen Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of Invokana.

These lawsuits allege that Janssen either knew or should have known about Invokana’s link with serious Invokana ketoacidosis side effects, yet failed to adequately warn the public and the medical community about these problems.

Invokana lawsuits allege that, had Janssen Pharmaceuticals properly warned the public and medical community about the risk of Invokana ketoacidosis side effects, patients would have chosen a safer alternative.

Though filing a lawsuit cannot take away a patient’s pain and suffering, it may offer compensation for the financial expenses that may have been incurred through medical bills and lost wages.

If you or someone you love has suffered from ketoacidosis or another serious complication after taking Invokana or a similar SGLT2 inhibitor, you may have cause for filing a lawsuit.