If you’ve experienced serious side-effects or any health-related issues from taking Invokana, contact us today at (251) 432-2277 to schedule a free consultation. We proudly serve those in and around the Mobile, Alabama area.
What is Invokana?
Invokana is a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, which was developed to treat those with type 2 diabetes. Its intended purpose is to work with the kidneys to help lower blood sugar through the process of urination. However, recently the FDA issued a warning in June of 2016 stating reports of acute kidney injury and ketoacidosis. There also have been numerous suits pursued against manufacturers of this drug, citing lack of warnings for these serious side-effects. Incidences of Invokana that have been linked to serious health issues include:
- Ketoacidosis
- Kidney failure
- Heart attack
- Stroke
Invokana and Ketoacidosis
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a severe diabetes complication, in which excess blood acids are produced when there isn’t enough insulin in the body. This condition can lead to the person needing to be hospitalized which can lead to life-threatening health complications. Symptoms of ketoacidosis include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Trouble breathing
- Confusion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Fatigue
- Dry or flushed skin
Invokana and Kidney Failure
The kidneys are an essential part of maintaining a healthy body. They help filter the blood by removing waste and also control blood pressure, electrolyte balance, and red blood cell production. When the kidneys fail, they lose those abilities, and waste, fluids, and electrolytes build in the body, which can lead to severe health problems.
Since 2014, Invokana has been linked to incidences of kidney failure. Kidney failure occurs when your kidneys stop functioning on their own, causing one to need dialysis or a kidney transplant. Symptoms of kidney failure include:
- Weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Exhaustion
- Confusion
- Abnormal heart rhythms
Kidney failure can also sometimes cause sudden death. If you have been taking Invokana for an extended period of time and have experienced any of these symptoms, contact a doctor immediately.
Invokana and Heart Disease
Along with the above medical conditions associated with Invokana, there have been accounts of individuals experiencing heart attacks and strokes from taking the drug. Studies showed that Invokana users had an increased risk of heart attack or stroke within the first 30 days of taking the drug.
The risk came from increased levels of hematocrit, the concentration of red blood cells. When hematocrit concentration is increased, the risk of blood clots become higher, which can cause a heart attack or stroke.
Symptoms of heart attack or stroke include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Extreme fatigue
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Cold sweats
- Face drooping
- Arm weakness
- Speech difficulty
Invokana Lawsuits
The serious medical complications associated with taking Invokana have prompted many individuals to pursue litigation for damages related to taking the drug. Citing that manufacturers didn’t adequately warn of the potential dangers of taking this drug and that they misrepresented the drug’s risk and benefits, defective drug attorneys are fighting on behalf of their clients to seek compensation for the serious side-effects many have experienced.
Experienced Mobile Defective Drug Attorneys
If you’ve used Invokana to treat type 2 diabetes and experienced any of the above adverse health problems, contact The Long Brothers at (251) 432-2277 today to schedule your free consultation. We take the health of our clients seriously and will fight on your behalf to pursue compensation for you. We proudly serve those who live in and near Mobile, Alabama.