Invokana^® Lawsuits: SGLT2 Inhibitors Linked to Ketoacidosis

A newer class of drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes (Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 or SGLT2 inhibitors) may lead to ketoacidosis, a condition which causes dangerously high levels of blood acids that can poison the body.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently investigating numerous reports of ketoacidosis in patients taking these drugs. Symptoms of ketoacidosis may include difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, or unusual fatigue or sleepiness.

Prescribed for lowering an individual’s blood sugar, SGLT2 inhibitors work by prompting the kidneys to remove sugar from the body through urine. The most common SGLT2 inhibitor brands include:

• Invokana® (Approved March 2013)
• Farxiga® (Approved January 2014)
• Jardiance® (Approved August 2014)

Other drugs in the class include Invokamet™, Xigduo XR™ and Glyxambi®, combination type 2 diabetes treatments that include an SGLT2 inhibitor drug as one of its two components.

SGLT2 Inhibitors also Linked to Kidney Injuries

The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) stated in May 2015 that the FDA had received 457 adverse event reports for Invokana in a 12 month period since the drug launched. Among the reports, 54 involved kidney failure or renal injury. Additionally, some patient safety advocates feel that other red flags may point to increased risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney cancer, and bladder cancer.

On June 14 2016, the FDA strengthened their existing warning about the risk of acute kidney injuries for this class of drugs. Revised warning labels now include more information about acute kidney injury and added recommendations to minimize this issue.

Were You Diagnosed with Ketoacidosis or Another Serious Health Problem?

If you or a loved one were prescribed Invokana, Jardiance, or Farxiga, and were diagnosed with ketoacidosis, kidney problems, kidney or bladder cancer, or another serious injury, you could be entitled to compensation.