Johnson & Johnson, a producer of family-friendly products like baby powder and shampoo, has produced more than one dangerous drug. Recently, an Invokana lawsuit rocked the company, claiming it failed to warn users of DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis), pancreatitis, bone fractures, and other risky side effects.
If you or a loved one has experienced dangerous side effects after taking Invokana, contact an experienced Florida personal injury attorney at Fetterman & Associates. We care deeply about your health and financial well-being. With a successful track record, we’ll focus on meeting deadlines while you focus on you. Call 561-845-2510 to learn more.
What is Invokana?
Invokana is an SGLT2 inhibitor. In simpler terms, Invokana is a drug approved by the FDA to treat low blood sugar in adults with type-2 diabetes. It’s the first of four SGLT2 inhibitors in the United States.
SGLT2 inhibitors block the sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 protein. This protein usually helps reabsorb glucose into the bloodstream. Inhibitors prevent reabsorption and instead cause glucose to be expelled in the urine, ultimately controlling blood sugar.
Patients are expected to maintain a healthy lifestyle while taking Invokana. However, this can become difficult when dangerous side effects get involved.
Possible Side Effects
After approving Invokana, the FDA warned consumers that SGLT2 inhibitors could lead to a condition known as DKA, known for causing excessive acid levels in the bloodstream.
Symptoms of DKA include:
- Trouble Breathing
- Nausea
- Abdominal Pain
- Vomiting
- Dry Skin
- Sleepiness
- Confusion
- Difficulty Concentrating
If you’ve experienced any of these symptoms after taking Invokana, see a physician right away.
Other serious side effects include lower body amputation, bone fractures, kidney failure, and acute pancreatitis. Here are some important facts to note:
- Diabetes often causes severe foot problems due to poor circulation and nerve damage. One study found that those who took Invokana required leg and foot amputations twice as often as those who took a placebo.
- In 2016, the FDA concluded that people who take Invokana have a higher risk of severe kidney damage and renal failure than their counterparts.
- Finally, researchers found that taking Invokana can lead to inflammation of the pancreas. This condition, albeit rare, can lead to a variety of health complications, including death.
Class Action Lawsuits
Hundreds of Invokana lawsuits have been filed against Janssen Pharmaceuticals (a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson), claiming the company misrepresented the side effects of Invokana and allowed patients to take the drug without understanding the possible repercussions.
All drugs come with some form of risk. Consumers should not, however, need to worry about amputation, kidney failure, and death when treating diabetes. As such, the wave of Invokana lawsuits will continue to grow.
Contact an Experienced Florida Personal Injury Attorney for Representation
If you or a loved one has experienced dangerous side effects after taking Invokana, contact an experienced Florida personal injury attorney at Fetterman & Associates by calling 561-845-2510. Our team is dedicated to your health and well-being. We’ll complete essential paperwork, answer important questions, and meet deadlines – giving you time to focus on your recovery.