American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) to discuss links between drugs like Invokana and ketoacidosis
In October 2015, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) will convene a conference in Dallas, Texas to discuss possible links between using sodium glucose cotransporters (SGLT2) inhibitors (Invokana belongs in this class of drugs) and developing ketoacidosis, a serious medical condition in which the body produces too many blood acids. Experts from the U.S. and abroad will seek to answer questions raised by AACE members in response to numerous reports linking SGLT2 use to developing ketoacidosis and other serious medical conditions.
Invokana and SGLT2 inhibitors are a relatively new class of drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes. Invokana is a once-daily pill available in 100mg and 300mg doses. The drug treats type 2 diabetes by forcing the kidneys to expel excess sugars through the urine. Invokana is one of the first SGLT2 drugs approved by the FDA to treat type 2 diabetes.
Ketoacidosis is a serious, potentially life threatening medical condition in which the body is unable to produce enough insulin to properly metabolize blood acids (ketones). If left untreated, ketoacidosis may result in diabetic coma, swelling of the brain, or even death. Symptoms of ketoacidosis include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and sweet smelling breath.
“There are still unanswered questions to answer before we draw any definitive conclusions on the subject, and that is what this conference is designed to do,” AACE President George Grunberger, MD, said in a statement.
In May 2015, the Food and Drug Administration released a Drug Safety Communication warning type 2 diabetes patients taking Invokana and other SGLT2 inhibitors the drugs may be linked to ketoacidosis, kidney problems, and increased levels of bad cholesterol. The AACE is the largest association of clinical endocrinologists in the world, representing over 6,000 diabetes care specialists in the U.S. and overseas. Membership of the AACE includes recognized educators, clinicians, and scientists.
