The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reported that Invokana and other diabetes medications may increase the risk of kidney failure and other serious side effects.

What is Invokana?

Invokana is a diabetes treatment drug used to lower the blood sugar of type-2 diabetes patients. Invokana and other medications in its class, known as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, work by inhibiting certain kidney functions in order to lower blood glucose levels.

Janssen has attempted to receive FDA approval for type-1 diabetes treatment, but so far has had no luck in that regard. Although Invokana has only been approved to treat patients with type-2 diabetes, but it is often prescribed off-label to patients with type-1 diabetes as well.

SGLT2 Inhibitors

Invokana and other SGLT2 inhibitors have been linked with an increased risk of kidney failureand other serious side effects. The following SGLT2 inhibitors are included in the FDA’s ongoing investigations:

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

Invokana Kidney Failure

Kidney failure is an extremely dangerous side effect, and can lead to permanent complications and even death. Kidney failure occurs when a person’s kidneys stop functioning.

Without properly functioning kidneys, a body’s waste products and fluids build up in the body instead of being filtered. Buildup of these substances can quickly lead to a number of concerning symptoms.

These kidney failure symptoms include:

• Weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Lethargy
• Confusion
• Jaundice
• Nausea
• Vomiting and abdominal pain
• Abnormal heart rhythm
• Sudden death

Sometimes, patients can return to normal kidney function simply by stopping intake of Invokana. However, some patients need further treatment.

Other Invokana Side Effects

Invokana is associated with a number of side effects, including kidney failure. Invokana 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 Kidney Failure Lawsuits

While the FDA is still currently investigating whether or not these Invokana side effects are severe or likely enough to include on the labeling, many Invokana users have come forward with allegations against Invokana’s manufacturer.

These lawsuits allege that Janssen Pharmaceuticals either knew or should have known that Invokana is linked with kidney failure and other serious side effects, but failed to adequately warn the public and the medical community about these risks.

Lawsuits allege that, had Janssen properly warned the public and the medical community of these side effects, patients would have chosen a safer alternative and avoided serious injury or, in some cases, death.

While filing a lawsuit cannot ease a patient’s pain and suffering, plaintiffs in Invokana lawsuits hope to gain some kind of compensation for the financial expenses incurred because of Invokana side effects.

If you have taken an SGLT2 diabetes medication like Invokana and have suffered from kidney failure or another serious side effect, you may be able to file a lawsuit.