The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning that Invokana, a Type-2 diabetes prescription medication, has been linked to diabetic ketoacidosis. There are also reports of patients experiencing kidney failure and heart attacks from taking the drug.
Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen Pharmaceuticals unit manufactures Invokana (canagliflozin), a medication to help control blood sugar levels of type-2 diabetics that was approved by the FDA in March 2013.
Invokana is what’s called an SGLT2 inhibitor. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce blood-sugar levels by helping the kidneys remove excess sugar from the body through urine.
Invokana Use Can Cause Serious Side Effects
The adverse events reported by patients taking Invokana include:
• Diabetic ketoacidosis
• Kidney failure or impairment
• Amputations
If you or a loved one has suffered Invokana side effects including ketoacidosis, kidney failure or a heart attack, contact Chelsie King Garza for assistance.
FDA Warning Regarding Invokana Use
In May 2015, the FDA issued a Drug Safety Communication for all drugs in the SGLT2 inhibitors. The FDA warned that use of Invokana can lead to ketoacidosis, a serious condition when the body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones. As of May 2015, the FDA reported receipts of about 20 cases of ketoacidosis. All of these patients had to go to the hospital for treatment. The FDA is continuing to investigate this safety issue.
Symptoms of Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Patients should watch for signs of ketoacidosis and seek immediate medical attention if they experience any or all of the following symptoms:
• Difficulty breathing
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Confusion
• Unusual fatigue or sleepiness
The FDA warns patients not to stop or change their diabetes medicines without first talking with their healthcare provider. Furthermore, physicians and healthcare providers should be evaluating their patients who are prescribed Invokana for the presence of acidosis.
Invokana Injury Attorney
Johnson & Johnson has made a good deal of money selling Invokana. In the first quarter of 2015, sales of the drug tripled from the previous year, topping out at $278 million. Many people can be impacted by the serious side effects of this drug with so much of it on the market. Chelsie King Garza has experience handling medical liability cases, and is presently taking Invokana injury cases.