Johnson & Johnson (J&J), one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in America, manufacturers the type 2 diabetes drug Invokana. The technical name of Invokana is canagliflozin, a newly-developed drug known as an SGLT-2 inhibitor. While it has been shown to help some patients filter excess blood sugar through their urinary tract where it can safely leave the body, it has also been linked to numerous and dangerous side effects, some much more common than others. That’s why it’s important to know what the side effects of Invokana are.
What Are The Side Effects Of Invokana?
Common Invokana side effects include:
- High or escalated blood pressure.
- Sharp pain in the bladder.
- No or reduced appetite.
- Desperate and frequent need to urinate.
- Unplanned weight gain.
- Spells of nausea or vomiting.
During clinical trials, joint pain was NOT a common side effect of Invokana.
The most severe side effects of Invokana are:
- Diabetic ketoacidosis: If the body does not regulate its blood insulin and glucose levels properly, it can trigger diabetic ketoacidosis or a condition caused by too much acid in the blood. Symptoms are often dehydration, severe fatigue, and confusion. Medical attention is recommended if the patient experiences blurred vision or unconsciousness.
- Heart failure: Abnormalities in the blood related to type 2 diabetes can have negative effects on the heart itself. Over time, this could lead to heart failure, heart attacks, strokes, and dangerous heart palpitations. Experiencing blood abnormalities for an extended period of time may also eventually cause failures in the kidneys and urinary tract.
- Bone breaks: Bone development, healing, and strength heavily rely on the health of a person’s blood and bone marrow. Invokana use has been linked to an inordinately high amount of bone fractures among users, indicating that components of the drug may be weakening bones.
- Amputation: J&J was recently instructed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to put a “black box” warning on Invokana’s packaging that states the drug increases the user’s risk of foot and leg amputations related to type 2 diabetes complications.
Who May Be Harmed by Invokana Side Effects?
Anyone using Invokana may experience any of the aforementioned side effects. The FDA has not noted specifically that one group of subjects within its clinical trials of the drug was remarkably more at risk than the next. However, elders taking Invokana who are already likely to have weakened bones may be more likely to experience bone density loss while taking the drug. Furthermore, side effects of Invokana for women may include an increased likelihood of developing a yeast infection.
What to Do If You've Suffered From Invokana Use
If you are using an Invokana prescription to treat your type 2 diabetes and have experienced negative health side effects, you may be able to file a claim for compensation. Johnson & Johnson, just as with any drug manufacturer, has the duty to only release medicinal products that are reasonably safe. Whenever a dangerous drug is placed on the market, those harmed by it deserve fair treatment and adequate financial recoveries to cover their losses and make up for their undue pain and suffering.
Bertram & Graf, L.L.C. is a trusted law office in Kansas City that primarily focuses on product liability and medical malpractice. We would be happy to hear the important details of your case during a free initial consultation.
Contact our Missouri attorneys today for more information about your rights and legal options.