Invokana® is a prescription drug designed to treat patients struggling to manage Type II diabetes. Janssen Pharmaceuticals markets the drug as safe for use and beneficial for the following reasons:
- It can aid in weight loss
- One pill works around the clock
- Most people taking the medication can reach an A1C of less than 7.0
- It significantly lowers blood sugar
According to the official Invokana® website, the drug is supposed to safely work in conjunction with the kidneys to help the patient lose more sugar through the urination process. Recent studies, however, reveal that this medication is actually linked to a host of dangerous side effects that have caused serious injury or death in some patients.
While many possible side effects are disclosed on the label, including yeast infection, dehydration, changes in urinary habits, and urinary tract infections, there have been several other side effects reported that Janssen failed to inform the public about.
Some of these dangerous, undisclosed side effects include:
- Ketoacidosis. Ketoacidosis is the result of the body’s inability to produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. The body responds by instead burning fat, which can result in the buildup of a high concentration of toxic acids called ketones in the bloodstream.
- Kidney failure. The kidneys are responsible for red blood cell production, electrolyte balance, the regulation of blood pressure, and filtering waste products from the blood. Invokana® has been linked to an increased risk of complete shutdown of the kidneys. When kidneys begin to fail, the body becomes poisoned by the buildup of waste products, causing abnormal heart rhythms, weakness, lethargy, confusion, and eventual death.
- Heart attack. Use of Invokana® has been linked to an increased risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack) caused when blood is restricted to certain areas of the heart. Heart tissue that is deprived of oxygen eventually dies, which can cause death.
Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyers Representing Victims of Dangerous Drugs
Janssen Pharmaceuticals has not yet issued a recall of Invokana® despite several reports that the drug can be dangerous. If you have suffered adverse side effects after taking Invokana® or have lost a loved one due to a complication with the drug, you may have grounds to file a personal injury claim. We encourage you to get in touch with a Philadelphia personal injury attorney at Golomb Legalas soon as possible to begin discussing your case.
Our seasoned class action attorneys have successfully recovered more than $1 billion in verdicts and settlements in both individual and class action litigation. We have decades of experience representing clients who have been harmed by dangerous drugs both in Philadelphia and around the country. We know what it takes to win these types of cases and look forward to seeing how we may be able to assist with your personal injury or wrongful death case.
Get started by requesting a consultation with Golomb LegalCall now at (215) 278-4449.