A growing number of injured patients are filing lawsuits against Janssen Pharmaceuticals, alleging serious kidney injuries caused by Invokana.

Invokana (canagliflozin) is a popular medication used to treat type 2 diabetes.

Invokana is manufactured and distributed by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson.

Invokana, as well as other type 2 diabetes drugs like it, function by inhibiting certain kidney functions in order to affect the body’s production of glucose.

Similar medications include Invokamet, metformin and canagliflozin.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved Invokana in 2013 to treat type 2 diabetes. While the drug is only approved to treat type 2 diabetes, it is sometimes prescribed “off-label” to patients with type 1 diabetes.

So far, the drug maker’s attempts to receive FDA approval for the drug to treat type 1 diabetes have not been granted.

Unfortunately, according to complaints, lawsuits, and even warnings from the FDA, patients may be at risk of number of serious kidney injuries caused by Invokana, including kidney failure.

Kidney Injuries Caused by Invokana

Invokana and the other diabetes drugs in its class, known as SGLT2 inhibitors, that have been linked with kidney injuries include:

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

According to the FDA, other kidney injuries caused by Invokana may include:

• Dehydration
• Yeast infection
• High potassium levels
• Kidney problems, including ketoacidosis and kidney failure
• Low blood sugar
• Serious allergic reaction
• Urinary tract infection
• Cardiovascular problems, including heart attack

Invokana Kidney Failure

Kidney failure is one of the most serious kidney injuries caused by Invokana and similar diabetes drugs. Kidney failure occurs when kidneys stop functioning.

Without proper kidney function, the waste products, fluids and electrolytes that would normally be filtered and regulated by the kidneys build up in the body.

This build up can result in weakness, shortness of breath, lethargy, confusion, abnormal heart rhythms, and even sudden death. Medical help should be sought immediately.

Sometimes, simple cessation of the medication can help kidney function to return to normal. For others, however, further treatment is necessary.

Invokana Kidney Failure Lawsuits

Kidney failure lawsuits filed against the manufacturers of these diabetes drugs allege that the drugs increase a patient’s risk of kidney failure, among other serious kidney injuries caused by Invokana.

According to kidney failure lawsuits, had the manufacturers of these drugs adequately warned the public and the medical community of the risk of kidney injuries caused by Invokana, patients would have chosen a safer alternative and subsequently avoided serious injury.

Lawsuits further claim that, even if plaintiffs did choose to use Invokana or a similar drug, a proper warning from the drug’s manufacturer would allow them to be monitored for signs of kidney injuries caused by Invokana.

If you or someone you know has suffered from significant kidney injuries caused by Invokana, such as kidney failure, you may be able to file an Invokana lawsuit.

While filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering of Invokana side effects, pursuing a lawsuit could result in financial compensation that would help with medical expenses and lost wages, as well as emotional and physical suffering.