Invokana Lawsuits

Since its FDA approval in March 2013, Invokana has reached roughly $1 billion in annual sales. The drug was produced as an alternative solution for people with type 2 diabetes. Rather than altering insulin levels, Invokana lowers blood sugar levels by working with the kidneys to remove excess sugar through the urine.

Despite only being on the market for a short period of time, Invokana has been the subject of thousands of lawsuits. Invokana lawsuits claim the manufacturer of the drug failed to warn consumers about potentially life-threatening side effects.

Some of the severe complications consumers on Invokana have experienced include:

• Kidney failure
• Heart issues
• Ketoacidosis
• Bone fractures
• Decrease in bone mineral density

Following FDA safety communication messages about Invokana, a surge of lawsuits were filed claiming the manufacturer knew about the damaging risks and downplayed them to consumers. The allegations also say that Janssen Pharmaceuticals should be held accountable for the severe complications thousands of individuals have experienced.

Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, manufactures and distributes Invokana. From its initial distribution, there has been much debate about the drug’s warning label. For example, its first warning label lacked information about cardiovascular complications that had been discovered during clinical trials. After similar issues were reported, the FDA revised Invokana’s labeling.

Numerous lawsuits allege that serious side effects could have been avoided. Individuals have voiced concerns that the manufacturer possibly knew about the adverse effects, yet still put consumers at risk.

Additionally, some people have said that they continue to suffer severe and irreversible injuries after taking Invokana. Oftentimes, these conditions may require ongoing medical care and attention.

Legal Complaints Against Invokana

A large number of individuals have filed lawsuits against Invokana for varying reasons; however, many are related to deceptive marketing.

Complaints about Invokana often cite:

• Failure to warn patients of harmful risks
• Distortion of marketed risks and benefits
• Production and manufacture of a defective drug
• Negligence

The most common issues relate to lack of information about diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which can sometimes turn into a life-threatening health condition.

Invokana Ketoacidosis (DKA)

Many people are holding Janssen Pharmaceuticals responsible for failing to disclose the risk of ketoacidosis – also known as diabetic ketoacidosis – that has been linked to Invokana. With DKA, the body produces abnormally high levels of acid in the blood. This condition can require hospitalization.

Warning signs of DKA may go unnoticed if they develop quickly. According to Mayo Clinic, DKA symptoms may include:

• Excessive thirst
• Frequent urination
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Weakness of fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Confusion

Other factors that may trigger DKA include a heart attack, surgery, stress, alcohol or drug abuse, and emotional or physical trauma. DKA can lead to a diabetic coma or even death if left untreated.

In 2015, the FDA issued a safety communication regarding SGLT2 inhibitors, like Invokana, on the basis that the drugs may lead to DKA.