The popular diabetes drug Invokamet XR, along with several other drugs like it, has been linked with some serious complications, including a high risk of amputation. Diabetes sufferers who have undergone a lower limb amputation after treatment with Invokamet XR may be able to file an Invokamet lawsuit.

The Basics of Invokamet XR

Invokana XR is a type-2 diabetes drug manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson. It’s a combination of two different diabetes medications, one of which is known generically as canagliflozin. Canagliflozin is part of a class of diabetes drugs known as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors.

Unfortunately, SGLT2 inhibitors like Invokamet XR have been linked with several severe complications, including lower limb amputation. Indeed, studies have shown that canagliflozin drugs can double the risk of lower limb amputation in patients compared to those taking a placebo. Most commonly found were amputations of the toe and the middle of the foot, but there were also cases of amputation of the leg, either below or above the knee.

In some cases, patients actually suffered more than one amputation, such as amputation of two toes or even both limbs.

Amputation risk from Invokamet XR may be even higher for those who have peripheral vascular disease, nerve damage, or diabetic foot ulcers, or who have previously suffered from diabetes amputation.

The increased risk of lower limb amputation associated with canagliflozin drugs like Invokamet XR has been confirmed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The FDA released a safety announcement on May 16, 2017, noting that Invokamet XR and other canagliflozin drugs were required to include new warnings, including a Boxed Warning, to the labels with this risk.

Furthermore, the FDA warned, “Patients taking canagliflozin should notify your health care professionals right away if you develop new pain or tenderness, sores or ulcers, or infections in your legs or feet. Talk to your health care professional if you have questions or concerns. Do not stop taking your diabetes medicine without first talking to your health care professional.”

Filing an Invokamet Lawsuit

A growing number of Invokamet XR patients are filing litigation after suffering from serious complications, including lower limb amputation. Other side effects named in these lawsuits include ketoacidosis. Drug companies may be held liable for injuries if it is found that they knew or should have known about the risks, but failed to adequately warn patients and the medical community about the increased risk of amputation or other complications.

If you or a loved one have been forced to undergo an amputation because of Invokamet XR or Invokana, you may be able to file an Invokamet lawsuit. While filing an Invokamet lawsuit cannot undo the pain and suffering caused an Invokamet amputation, it can at the very least help to alleviate the financial burden incurred by medical expenses, lost wages, and more.