The Invokana® Lawsuit for Diabetes Patients
The prescription drug Invokana® has caused dangerous complications for type 2 diabetes patients, including incidences of ketoacidosis, kidney failure, and heart attack. Patients across the country have suffered these adverse affects, prompting many individuals to pursue an Invokana® lawsuit.
Olsen Law Offices in San Diego, CA, provides aggressive representation for victims of Invokana® and other types of dangerous drugs. If you or a loved one have taken Invokana® and suffered because of it, please contact our office for a free consultation today.
Complications From Invokana®
Invokana® is a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor prescribed to patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The drug is designed to make the kidneys expel excess glucose through urine. The medication is intended to help manage diabetes by improving glycemic control and lowering blood sugar. However, numerous complications have been reported. Many patients taking Invokana® and other SGLT2 inhibitors have been treated for serious health problems tied to the medication such as:
- Diabetic Ketoacidosis – Ketoacidosis occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin to help glucose enter cells, and instead begins to break down fat for energy. Toxic acids then build up in the bloodstream, which can lead to a diabetic coma, and even death. Early symptoms include excessive thirst, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, confusion, and shortness of breath.
- Kidney failure – When the kidneys stop filtering waste products from the bloodstream, dangerous levels of waste accumulate in the body. This condition can cause permanent kidney damage, fluid buildup in the lungs, inflammation of the heart, and death.
Other serious complications associated with Invokana® include heart attack, stroke, bone fractures (of hips and spine), allergic reactions, kidney stones, abnormal weight loss, and urinary tract infections.
The Invokana® Lawsuit
Numerous lawsuits have been filed against Invokana® manufacturer Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a division of Johnson & Johnson. The lawsuits allege that the company and marketers failed to properly warn healthcare providers and patients about the risks of taking this SGLT2 inhibitor. Sufficiently informed, patients and their doctors would likely choose a different medication, or ensure appropriate monitoring to catch potential problems in early stages.
In 2015, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued safety warnings for SGLT2 inhibitors, including Invokana®. Kidney problems, and reduced bone mineral density were noted as major complications, as well as increased risk for ketoacidosis, which presented without normal indicators of high blood sugar levels. This development makes the condition harder to detect – and more dangerous.
Invokana® cases are heading toward multidistrict litigation rather than a class action lawsuit. This allows each case to be treated individually, though they are combined into one district for discovery purposes. Individual plaintiffs will receive settlements based upon their specific damages, which can be extensive.
Chris Olsen is an experienced attorney who has been able to secure millions for his clients through negotiation and successful litigation.
Chris Olsen Fights Corporate Negligence
Many pharmaceutical drugs have been found to be dangerous, with the risks outweighing the benefits for patients. If you or a family member took Invokana® in 2013 or later and suffered any of the described complications, legal recourse is available.
Chris Olsen thoroughly understands product liability law pertaining to medications, and has a proven record of results for personal injury clients. He works to keep corporations accountable for wrongdoing, such as failing to properly warn doctors and patients about potentially deadly drug complications. He is also an experienced attorney who has been able to secure millions for his clients through negotiation and successful litigation.
Take Legal Action Today
In California, your product liability claim must be filed within two years of the date the injury was discovered. If you are a victim, please do not hesitate. Contact our office today to set up a free consultation.
