Drug Injury Lawyers Blog
Invokana is a prescription medication used to control blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. The drug works with the kidneys to eliminate excess blood sugar through the passing of urine. Although effective at reducing glucose from the bloodstream, Invokana has been linked to several life-threatening medical conditions. As such, the drug’s manufacturer, Janssen Pharmaceutical, is facing an onslaught of product liability lawsuits, alleging that the company knew about the risk of health complications and failed to adequately warn the public.
Invokana is linked to multiple side effects, but the most serious are kidney failure and a condition called ketoacidosis. A potentially-deadly complication that can cause the brain to swell, ketoacidosis occurs when there is a buildup of toxic acids – called ketones – in the bloodstream. Despite all of these risks, Janssen Pharmaceutical, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, netted nearly $1 billion in profits from Invokana last year.
Invokana Lawsuits Consolidated in NJ Federal Court
The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPMDL) transferred nearly 100 Invokana lawsuits from throughout the country to New Jersey federal court. New Jersey was selected because Janssen Pharmaceuticals is headquartered in that state. There were also 37 cases already filed in NJ. A Boston drug injury lawyer can help you determine how to proceed if you’ve been injured by a defective or dangerous drug
Lawsuits allege that Invokana caused ketoacidosis and kidney damage, as well as blood clots, strokes, and other cardiovascular problems. Although the FDA approved the drug in 2013, the risk of ketoacidosis wasn’t added to the warning label until 2015. Unfortunately, the warning came too late for some. And even now, with the updated warning label, Invokana continues to harm patients. In 2015, the FDA issued a warning that the drug could turn mild urinary tract infections into potentially-fatal infections of the blood and kidneys. And in 2016, the FDA warned that Invokana may cause acute pancreatitis.
Invokana lawsuits have been piling up for several years now. One of those lawsuits (Maddox v. Janssen Pharmaceuticals), alleges that Invokana patients “have suffered and may continue to suffer severe and permanent personal injuries, including diabetic ketoacidosis, stroke, heart attack, and severe kidney damage.” A MA drug injury lawyer can help you recover damages if you’ve been injured by a defective or dangerous drug.
Symptoms of Ketoacidosis
If you are currently taking Invokana, it may be wise to learn the symptoms of ketoacidosis. Left untreated, this condition can be fatal. If you develop any of the following symptoms, contact your health care provider immediately:
- Breathing problems
- Extreme fatigue
- Chronic headache
- Fruity breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Flushed face
- Confusion
- Pain in the abdomen
If you are taking Invokana, or have taken the drug in the past, consider talking to your physician about potential risks. When it comes to such serious side effects, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Altman & Altman, LLP – Top Drug Injury Lawyers in MA
If you have been harmed due to the negligence of a pharmaceutical company, the skilled legal team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help. We have been protecting the rights of accident and injury victims for more than 50 years, and we have an impressive track record of obtaining compensation for our clients. When pharmaceutical companies put profits before the health and safety of the public, they should be held accountable for their actions. If you were injured by Invokana or another prescription medication, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. At Altman & Altman, LLP, we will ensure that you fully understand your rights and options before moving forward, and we’ll be by your side throughout the entire process. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.
