European and Canadian health agencies have recently initiated safety reviews for Invokana and other sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors after reports linked the type 2 diabetes drug to serious side effects.  The actions by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and Health Canada come after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Drug Safety Communication on May 15, 2015, warning that Invokana may be linked to an increased risk of ketoacidosis and other serious health conditions.

Ketoacidosis is a health problem where the body produces too many blood acids. In serious cases, sufferers of ketoacidosis may require hospitalization. Invokana and other SGLT2 inhibitors are prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes.  Invokana forces the kidneys to expel excess blood sugar through urine.  Complications associated with ketoacidosis include diabetic coma, difficulty breathing, nausea, confusion, and fatigue.

Health Canada’s said it will review Invokana (canagliflozin) and Forxiga (dapagliflozin) to determine if any changes to prescribing information need to be made.  Health Canada’s review will evaluate any links between taking SGLT2 inhibitors like Invokana and developing ketoacidosis.

The European Medicines Agency’s summary safety review of Invokana was requested by the European Commision after more than 100 incidents of serious injuries linked to taking the type 2 diabetes drug were reported.  The European Medicines Agency will evaluate all the medical data available about the risk between Invokana and developing ketoacidosis.  The European Medicines Agency’s may issue a ruling affecting the way Invokana and other SGLT2 inhibitors are prescribed in the European Union.

In addition to developing ketoacidosis, Invokana may be linked to other serious medical conditions like heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.  Patients taking Invokana and other SGLT2 inhibitors are advised to consult with their doctors before making any changes to their diabetes medications and report any serious complications while taking the drug.

Please call 1-800-THE-FIRM (843-3476) or fill out a contact form to receive a free, confidential, and prompt Invokana case review. Because strict time deadlines apply, please contact us at your earliest convenience in order to preserve your rights.