If you or a loved one has taken Invokana and suffered diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or kidney failure, you may have a legal claim against the manufacturer of Invokana. Pogust Goodhead is a plaintiffs’ law firm with experience in obtaining verdicts and settlements against drug manufacturers.
We fight for patients who have been harmed by dangerous drugs. We are currently investigating claims of ketoacidosis and kidney damage caused by Invokana (canagliflozin). In addition to cases handled in the Philadelphia area, we are prepared to handle negligence claims on behalf of clients across the country. Contact us today by calling 888-348-6787 or filling out our contact form to find out how we can help you.
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by insulin resistance and dysfunction of beta cells in the pancreas, leading to elevated glucose levels. When a healthy diet and proper exercise are not enough to manage diabetes, patients are prescribed medications to control blood glucose levels. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 29 million Americans have diabetes and another 86 million adults have prediabetes – a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes.
In 2012, diabetes and its related complications accounted for $245 billion in total medical costs and lost work and wages.
On the market since 2013, Invokana was the first of a new class of medicines approved for sale in the US that works by causing blood sugar to leave the body through urine. Manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals (a unit of Johnson & Johnson), the drug has already brought in $278 million just in the first quarter of 2015, which is almost triple its results for the same period last year. While common side effects were known to include dehydration and genital yeast infections, Invokana is now being implicated in patient health complications, hospitalizations and DKA — which can be fatal.
Some patients who take this drug are developing kidney damage and ketoacidosis — a life-threatening condition that does not usually occur in type 2 diabetics where the body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones. The situation is serious enough that in May, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a drug safety communication warning anyone who is taking Invokana and experiences nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, confusion, abdominal pain or unusual fatigue should seek medical attention immediately. While the FDA is “continuing to investigate this safety issue,” patients should pay close attention to the signs of DKA and seek medical attention immediately.
Drug manufacturers have a duty to warn patients and physicians of the increased risks involved in taking their product.
If they fail in that duty, they can be held legally responsible. If Invokana’s manufacturers and marketers had properly warned of the risks, prescribing doctors would be able to consider the risk of DKA before prescribing Invokana. At a minimum, patients would be aware of the risk and would be able to better monitor their health on a more routine basis for potential signs of heart issues, renal impairment, and a high level of ketones.
Only a qualified attorney can determine whether you are eligible to file a lawsuit against the makers of Invokana, which is why we invite you to contact us online or by calling 1-888-348-6787 for a free consultation. The pharmaceutical litigation lawyers at Pogust Goodhead will thoroughly investigate your claim and pursue compensation against all responsible parties. We believe individuals who have suffered injury or the loss of a loved one due to Invokana’s side effects have the right to hold accountable those that released an allegedly defective drug into the marketplace. If you or your loved one was harmed by Invokana, we can help.
