This is Michael Brady Lynch, lead trial attorney for The Michael Brady Lynch Firm.
The popular diabetes drug Invokana (Invokamet) has raised grave concerns over safety due to links between the use of the medication and kidney damage, myocardial infarction (heart attacks), other cardiovascular issues and ketoacidosis.
National Invokana (Invokamet) lawsuits allege that the manufacturers and marketers of SGLT2 inhibitors (such as Johnson & Johnson, Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc., AstraZeneca & Boehringer Ingelheim) failed to warn patients and physicians of the increased risks of kidney failure, myocardial infarction (heart attacks), other cardiovascular issues and ketoacidosis. The allegations provide that if the manufacturers and marketers had properly warned of the risks, patients would have been prescribed and taken a substitute medication for their diabetes, and certainly would have had their health monitored on a more routine basis for potential signs of heart issues, renal impairment, and high level of ketones.
What is the Prescription Drug Invokana (Invokamet) and Why is it Prescribed?
Invokana (Invokamet) is a SGLT2 inhibitor used in combination with diet and exercise to improve glycemic control and lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. When untreated, type 2 diabetes can lead to serious problems, including blindness, nerve damage, kidney failure, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and a range of other problems. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S. SGLT2 inhibitors lower a person’s blood sugar by causing the kidneys to remove it through the urine.
What are the Different SGLT2 Inhibitors Being Investigated for Increased Risks of Kidney Damage, Myocardial Infarction and Ketoacidosis?
The following brand name prescription medications are being investigated for a potential increased risk of kidney failure, myocardial infarction and ketoacidosis:
Brand Name Active Ingredients
Invokana (Invokamet) Canagliflozin
Invokamet Canagliflozin and Metformin
Farxiga Dapagliflozin
Xigduo XR Dapagliflozin and Metformin extended-release
Jardiance Empagliflozin
Glyxambi Empagliflozin and Linagliptin
What are the Side Effects, Complications and Risks of Invokana (Invokamet)?
The most serious potential side effects, complications and risks caused through the use Invokana (Invokamet) are myocardial infarction (heart attack), kidney damage and ketoacidosis.
Kidney failure occurs when your kidneys stop functioning without the use of dialysis or a kidney transplant. Kidneys help filter waste products from the blood. They are also involved in regulating blood pressure, electrolyte balance, and red blood cell production. When your kidneys stop properly functioning, waste products, fluids, and electrolytes build up in the body and can cause weakness, shortness of breath, lethargy, confusion, abnormal heart rhythms and sudden death.
Myocardial infarction (commonly known as a heart attack) is the irreversible death of cells within the heart caused by a restriction of blood. It occurs when there is a blockage in the arteries preventing blood from reaching portions of the heart, and thus oxygen and necessary nutrients no longer reach the heart muscle. Basically a portion of the heart is being starved of oxygen and nutrients, a condition called “cardiac ischemia.” If this condition lasts too long, the starved heart tissue dies.
Ketoacidosis is a medical condition where high levels of ketones are produced in the body. Ketoacidosis can result in a patient suffering a diabetic coma, extended hospitalization and even death. Ketoacidosis develops when the body is unable to produce enough insulin, which insulin plays a major role in helping sugar (glucose) enter cells, and provides needed energy to the muscles and other tissues. Without enough insulin, the body breaks down fat as an alternative source of energy, which process produces a buildup of toxic acids in the bloodstream called ketones. Excess ketones result in ketoacidosis if untreated.
If you are currently taking Invokana (Invokamet) or another SGLT2 inhibitor (such as Farxiga, Xigduo XR, Jardiance or Glyxambia), you should pay close attention for any signs of kidney failure, heart problems and acidosis and seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, faintness, increased heart rate, increased pulmonary rate, difficulty breathing, hyperventilation, weakness, changes in urination, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, lethargy and unusual fatigue or sleepiness. Do not stop or change your diabetes medicines without first talking to your medical provider, but be especially careful to take appropriate measures to monitor for signs of kidney issues, heart problems and acidosis, and immediately seek appropriate medical care if you have any concerns.
About the Firm: The Michael Brady Lynch Firm is a trial firm with a focus on pharmaceutical mass tort cases involving SSRI and Anti-Seizure Medication Birth Defects including Lexapro, Zoloft, Effexor, Prozac, Celexa, Paxil, Depakote and Topamax, Xarelto bleeding injuries, Mirena IUD, Actos Bladder Cancer, Invokana ketoacidosis, Testosterone heart attack and stroke injuries and medical device cases including DePuy Hip and Trans-Vaginal Mesh cases. Contact us today if you or someone you know has experienced side effects involving these products.