CHARLESTON, IL INVOKANA LAWSUIT ATTORNEYS
Helping Victims Of Defective Diabetes Drugs
Invokana (canagliflozin) was approved by the Food & Drug Administration in 2013 to treat adults with Type 2 diabetes, and it was the first drug to be classified as a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. By blocking the kidneys from re-absorbing glucose as they normally would, SGLT2 inhibitors are supposed to regulate blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. Unfortunately, taking these medications can also result in serious, life-threatening injuries, including kidney failure, leg amputations, and blood infections. If you or your loved ones have been injured after taking Invokana or another SGLT2 inhibitor class drug, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. As results-driven defective drug lawyers serving clients throughout Charleston, Illinois, our team at Spiros Law, P.C. can fight for your rights. With over 100 years of combined experience, we can stand up to companies like Johnson & Johnson when they fail to protect consumers from dangerous drugs.
For a free and confidential consultation, give us a call at (217) 516-3451 today or contact us online.
What Are The Risks Of Using SGLT2 Inhibitors?
Between 2013 and 2015 alone, the FDA identified at least 101 cases of acute kidney injury connected to SGLT2 inhibitors like Invokana and Jardiance, with 96 cases requiring hospitalization after the initial injury event. Because SGLT2 inhibitors alter basic kidney function and cause sugar to be excreted through the urine, they can cause a dangerous level of acid buildup in the body and lead to diabetic ketoacidosis. This finding prompted the FDA to issue three separate health warnings related to SGLT2 inhibitors, and these warnings have only been strengthened over time. Following a final FDA “black box” warning about Invokana-specific amputations in 2017, many doctors have stopped prescribing SGLT2 inhibitor medications to diabetic patients. Using SGLT2 inhibitors has been proven to increase the risk of life-threatening injuries, including:
- Kidney failure
- Acute kidney injury
- Fournier’s (genital) gangrene
- Blood infections
- Septic shock
- Stroke
Who Is Liable For SGLT2 Inhibitor Injuries?
Although Invokana is just one of many drugs in the SGLT2 inhibitor class of medications, it is by far the most popular variant, earning manufacturer Johnson & Johnson over $1 billion in sales annually. Between 2014 and 2015, more than 1.5 million diabetes patients were prescribed drugs that contained either canagliflozin (like Invokana) or dapagliflozin (Farxiga). Here are a few of the most common brand names for SGLT2 inhibitors:
- Farxiga
- Invokana
- Invokamet
- Invokamet XR
- Jardiance
- Glyzambi
- Xiguo XR
- Synjardy
Some of the largest pharmaceutical manufacturers in the world sell SGLT2 inhibitors, including Bristol-Myers Squibb, AstraZeneca, and Janssen Pharmaceuticals. The vast majority of kidney injury cases have centered around Invokana and Farxiga, and many of these cases have now been consolidated into multi-district litigations (MDLs) against their manufacturers.
Seeking Compensation For Invokana Injuries
Drug makers have a civic responsibility to ensure that their drugs are sold with appropriate instructions and side effect warnings. By failing to warn the public about the risks of using SGLT2 inhibitors, companies like Johnson & Johnson may be held liable for the pain and suffering of affected patients. While nothing can make up for the loss of a loved one or an amputation, Spiros Law, P.C. can give you the strength and support you need to seek justice. Negligent manufacturers must be held accountable for their actions and ensure that no one else has to endure the same pain. As your allies in court, our trusted Charleston attorneys can advocate for your defective drug claim and seek to maximize your compensation.
