While the safety and efficacy of Invokana continue to be studied, a medical journal has linked the diabetes drug with acute pancreatitis, a rare but potentially deadly inflammation of the pancreas. On July 3, 2015, the Health and Safety Canada Report that a 50-year-old man with type 2 diabetes reported to an emergency room after suffering an acute onset of abdominal pain. He had only been taking Invokana for four days. Physicians at the hospital diagnosed him with diabetic ketoacidosis induced by acute pancreatitis and his use of Invokana (canagliflozin) was discontinued.
Acute pancreatitis is only the latest side effect that has been reported to be associated with Invokana. In May 2015, the FDA warned that Invokana may cause ketoacidosis. Also in May 2015, the Institute of Safe Medication Practices raised serious concerns about the risk of kidney damage among patients who take Invokana.
The patient in the Journal of Basic Clinical and Pharmacy’s (JBCP) Invokana report switched from a regimen of insulin, glyburide, and metformin to Invokana to control his type 2 diabetes just days before being diagnosed with ketoacidosis induced by acute pancreatitis. The JBCP reports the man had successfully been treating his type 2 diabetes with his other treatments prior to switching to Invokana.
In the three days prior to his hospitalization, the patient in question developed severe abdominal pain, weakness, and loss of vision which progressively worsened over time. The patient was admitted to the emergency room and diagnosed with ketoacidosis induced by acute pancreatitis. He also suffered from kidney damage brought on by severe dehydration.
FDA warns Invokana may cause ketoacidosis
Ketoacidosis a serious and potentially life threatening medical condition which may lead to diabetic coma and even death. Ketoacidosis occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin to properly absorb fatty acids (ketones) in the blood. As excessive levels of fatty acids build up, the blood’s pH drops. In May 2015, the FDA issued a Drug Safety Communication warning those who take Invokana and other sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors that the drugs could lead to ketoacidosis.
Invokana and SGLT2 inhibitors treat type 2 diabetes by forcing the kidney to expel excess glucose through the urine. Due to its effect on renal (kidney) function, Invokana is being evaluated in clinical studies for possible links to kidney failure and pancreatitis. Invokana is also being studied for links to increased risks of heart attack and stroke.
Invokana ketoacidosis and acute pancreatitis injury lawyers
If you or a loved one experienced a severe injury like ketoacidosis, kidney damage, or acute pancreatitis after taking Invokana, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. The Invokana injury attorneys of The Cochran Firm, D.C. are actively investigating Invokana injury claims and are ready to help you and your family seek justice.
The Cochran Firm, D.C. is offering Invokana injury victims free, prompt, and confidential case reviews. Of course, you are free to pick any attorney you choose to represent you in your Invokana lawsuit, but we believe our law firm is extremely well-situated to provide world-class legal service to victims of Invokana and other SGLT2 inhibitor drugs.
so you have nothing to lose by speaking to one of our experienced attorneys about your case. Since we represent our clients on a contingency basis, there are absolutely no legal fees unless we win your case.
Call the Invokana injury attorneys of The Cochran Firm, D.C. during business hours at 202-682-5800 or at 1-800-THE-FIRM (843-3476) to reach us 24 hours a day. You may also fill out an online contact form. Strict time deadlines apply when filing an Invokana injury lawsuit so please contact The Cochran Firm, D.C. at your earliest convenience and preserve your legal rights.
