Invokana Attorney

Invokana Dangerous Drug Claim

Numerous people suffering from type II diabetes have suffered amputations and blood problems after they were prescribed Invokana, a popular drug intended to regulate blood sugar levels. After receiving numerous complaints, the FDA investigated the issue and released a health warning in 2015, stating that Invokana may cause ketoacidosis, a blood problem that could require hospitalization. Individuals who have taken, or are currently taking Invokana may be at risk and could be eligible to seek compensation.

If you or someone you love has suffered severe side effects after taking Invokana, our firm can help. With 45 years of legal experience, our attorneys at Kalfus & Nachman PC have the skills and knowledge necessary to advocate for your rights. We understand how difficult it can be to face an unexpected medical emergency, and we want to help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.

Call our firm at (855) 880-8163 to schedule a free consultation.

About Invokana

Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of popular company Johnson & Johnson, developed Invokana to treat Type II diabetes. After the FDA received numerous complaints linking the drug to foot amputations, the organization conducted a study of the potential hazards and risks associated with Invokana. Invokana is a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, a type of drug formulated to lower blood sugar by prompting the kidneys to remove sugar from the body. Unfortunately, medical studies have concluded that these types of drugs can also cause other serious blood problems.

In 2015, the FDA issued a black box warning, their highest caution, warning consumers and doctors of the increased risk of developing ketoacidosis or requiring an amputation.

Potentially Dangerous Side Effects

One of the riskiest side effects of Invokana is ketoacidosis, a condition that causes the body to produce dangerously high levels of blood acids called ketones. Patients can also develop diabetic ketoacidosis, a subset of the blood problem in diabetic patients causing the body to break down fat instead of glucose. This results in a buildup of ketone compounds in the blood, which can develop when insulin levels are especially low.

The FDA has reported 20 cases of ketoacidosis from patients treated with SGLT2 inhibitors, each of which required either emergency room care or hospitalization.

Ketoacidosis symptoms include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Abnormal fatigue or confusion
• Difficulty breathing
• Abdominal pain
• Dry or flushed skin
• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst

Amputation Risks

In May of 2017, the FDA released a secondary black box warning for Invokana, citing a relation between the drug and lower limb amputations. A medical study concluded that patients taking Invokana faced a drastically higher risk of developing a health problem leading to a required lower limb amputation. This may include amputation of the toes, foot, lower leg, or, in some cases, both legs.

Any of the following symptoms could lead to a health problem that may result in amputation:

• Pain or tenderness in the legs and feet
• Foot sores
• Ulcers in the legs or feet
• Lower limb infections

Trust Our Personal Injury Lawyers at Kalfus & Nachman PC

When you or someone you love suffers a negative side effect or faces a medical emergency because of a dangerous or defective drug, you have a right to pursue compensation. Pharmaceutical companies have a duty to produce reasonably safe drugs, to adequately test those drugs, and to label and distribute them with proper warnings citing any known side effects. If your rights as a consumer were violated, our firm wants to help. We can help you seek compensation for damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, as well as pain and suffering.

Contact Kalfus & Nachman PC today to get started on your dangerous drug case.