The popular medication Invokana is one of several type-2 diabetes drugs to be linked to an increased risk of serious side effects, including ketoacidosis.

Invokana (generic name canagliflozin) is part of a new class of drugs known as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, which control type-2 diabetes by inhibiting particular kidney functions and leveling out the body’s glucose levels. Other drugs in this class include Invokamet, Farxiga, Xigduo XR, Jardiance, and Glyxambi.

While any drug comes with its share of mild side effects, Invokana has also been linked with more serious side effects. Alleged Invokana side effects include ketoacidosis and kidney failure, serious allergic reactions, and heart attack.

Invokana Side Effects

One of the worrying side effects linked to Invokana is ketoacidosis. A study published in the medical journal Diabetes Care showed a slight increase in the risk of ketoacidosis associated with patients who take Invokana.

Diabetic ketoacidosis is essentially a condition prompted by high acidity in the blood. Symptoms include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Confusion
• Fatigue
• Sleepiness

Diabetic ketoacidosis complications can sometimes cause even more urgent health complications. Doctors urge patients to be aware of severe symptoms and seek medical treatment if necessary.

For some patients who experience ketoacidosis, stopping their Invokana intake is all that’s needed in the way of treatment, allowing the patient to return to their normal kidney function.

For other patients, however, further treatment is required. Kidney problems such as kidney failure may be life-threatening, and should be taken extremely seriously.

Invokana Ketoacidosis Lawsuits

Some patients who have been affected by major Invokana side effects such as ketoacidosis and its complications have responded by filing lawsuits.

Plaintiffs involved in these lawsuits allege that the drug’s manufacturers failed to adequately warn the public and the medical community of the heightened risk of ketoacidosis and other serious issues linked with Invokana and other SGLT2 inhibitors.

These lawsuits allege that, had the manufacturers of these drugs properly warned the public and the medical community about these risks, patients could have chosen a safer alternative, allowing them to entirely avoid serious or life-threatening injuries.

While filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering of Invokana side effects, the financial compensation from a lawsuit can help with financial losses from medical bills and lost wages.

If you or someone you love has experienced serious Invokana side effects such as ketoacidosis, you may be able to file a lawsuit.