Invokana Lawsuit

About Invokona Diabetes Drug

Invokana, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2013, is part of a class of Type 2 diabetes drugs called sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors.

SGLT-2 is a protein in humans that facilitates glucose reabsorption in the kidneys, and SGLT-2 inhibitors block the reabsorption of glucose in the kidneys, increase glucose excretion, and in turn lower blood glucose levels.

SGLT-2 inhibitors are commonly used to treat adults with Type 2 diabetes.

Studies and trials have shown Invokana, and similar SGLT-2 drugs such as Jardiance and Farxiga, to be highly effective in controlling blood glucose levels and lowering hemoglobin levels for patients with Type 2 diabetes.

Because of its effectiveness, the popularity of Invokana has increasingly grown since its market introduction.

Invokana is considered the most popular drug in its class.

However, Invokana and similar medications have been linked to a number of dangerous and potentially life-threatening adverse health effects.

What is Invokana?

Invokana was the first drug of its class, approved for market in 2013.

Invokana is manufactured by Johnson & Johnson subsidiary, Janssen Pharmaceuticals.

Invokamet was approved in 2014.

Invokamet XR was approved in 2016.

Invokana has come under fire recently because of the increased risk of lower limb amputations caused by one of its key ingredients, canagliflozin.

Physicians in California are hurrying to switch patients from Invokana to other diabetes medications.

The findings 0f a CANVAS trial caused the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to issue an Invokana black box warning on May 16, warning of the increased risk of amputations – a black box warning is the strongest warning the FDA can issue.

Since the warning was issued, doctors began switching patients to other medications because of the Invokana risks, even going as far as calling patients ahead of their scheduled appointments to discuss Invokana risks.

Michael Carome, Director of Public Citizen’s Health Research Group, voiced concern that Invokana risks, specifically the risk of amputation:

“….is a significant safety finding and for us, adds to our position that the drug should be avoided.”

SGLT2 inhibitors, such as Invokana, empagliflozin (Jardiance), and dapagliflozin (Farxiga), have also seen additional warnings due to the increased risk of ketoacidosis.

Since Invokana’s approval, a number of studies suggest the medication may increase the risk of dangerous side effects such as kidney damage, diabetic ketoacidosis, risk of lower limb amputations, and now life-threatening genital gangrene infection.

If you are taking Invokana or another SGLT2 inhibitor, it is important to talk with your doctor about the risks associated with the medication.

If you notice any changes in your health after starting Invokana, contact your doctor right away.

If you suffer injuries resulting from Invokana, contact an Invokana lawyer to discuss your legal options, including filing an Invokana lawsuit.

Invokana Pharmaceutical Trials

The first clinical trial, CANVAS (Canagliflozin Cardiovascular Assessment Study), tested the effects on adult patients suffering from type 1 diabetes.

The study was conducted over a period of one year with two separate groups:

• Patients given canagliflozin
• Patients given a placebo

CANVAS Trials Find Invokana Amputation Risk

The risk of amputation for the placebo group was 2.8 of every 1,000 participants, while the risk for the canagliflozin group was 5.9 of every 1,000 participants.

A similar clinical trial, CANVAS-R (Study of the Effects of Canagliflozin on Renal Endpoints) tested adult patients suffering from type 2 diabetes.

Again, the study was conducted over a period of one year with two separate groups:

• Patients given canagliflozin
• Patients given a placebo

The risk of amputation for the placebo group was 4.2 of every 1,000 participants, while the risk for the canagliflozin group was 7.5 of every 1,000 participants.

In both studies, amputations were most common in patients’ toes and feet, with a smaller percentage needing a full-leg amputation.

Some patients required multiple amputations, “some involving both limbs.”

Results of the CANVAS trial indicated patients using Invokana were at an increased risk of amputations.

Symptoms of Invokana Amputation Risks

Patients using Invokana who have undergone a previous amputation are at a higher risk of needing additional amputations.

The FDA urges patients using Invokana, or similar products, to contact their healthcare provider if they notice new pain, sores or ulcers, or infections in their legs or feet.

Health care providers should discontinue prescribing the drug if any of these symptoms should occur.

Adverse Effects Associated with Invokana

Despite its notable ability to control blood sugar levels, Invokana has some potentially serious side effects:

Invokana Amputation Risk

Clinical trials have found that Invokana users are twice as likely to suffer from lower limb amputation as compared to patients using a placebo.

The risks are even higher for patients who have already suffered from a previous amputation.

Invokana users should look for signs – infections in lower limbs, tenderness, sores – talk to a doctor right away if you experience any of these symptoms.

Invokana Ketoacidosis Risk

When the body is unable to produce enough insulin, ketoacidosis develops.

Without enough insulin, the body breaks down fat as an alternative source of energy, which in turn produces a buildup of toxic acids in the bloodstream known as ketones.

When untreated, excess ketones in the blood result in ketoacidosis, which can lead to diabetic coma, hospitalization, and death.

Invokana Fournier’s Gangrene Risk

A life-threatening, flesh-eating bacterial infection of the skin, the side effect of SGLT-2 inhibitors can be deadly if not treated immediately.

Men are particularly at risk of developing the infection.

Starting in 2015, the FDA began to release multiple public safety announcements, warning the public of the links between Invokana/SGLT-2’s and these dangerous adverse effects.

What is Fournier ’s Disease?

Fournier’s Disease, commonly known as “Fournier Gangrene,” is a flesh-eating bacterial infection of the genitals.

Fournier’s Gangrene is also referred to as “genital gangrene” and “necrotizing fasciitis”.

Fournier gangrene most often affects men.

The disease begins with scrotum pain and irritation but quickly develops into tissue decay.

Causes of Fournier gangrene include urinary tract infections, abscesses on or near the genitals, and the use of surgical instruments.

However, FDA research has found Invokana to cause Fournier’s gangrene.

If left untreated, Fournier’ gangrene can be fatal.

Does Invokana Cause Genital Gangrene?

Invokana has been found to cause genital gangrene in rare cases.

All users of the diabetes drug are at risk, but factors such as alcoholism, the use of cancer drugs, and having HIV increase the risk of Invokana genital gangrene.

Research has also found middle-aged patients to be more susceptible to developing genital gangrene from Invokana use.

If you’re currently taking the SLGT-2 inhibitor Invokana, ask your doctor about the risks of the drug or alternative treatments.

If you experience any new pains or side effects after starting Invokana, be sure to immediately contact your doctor right away.

If injuries persist, contact an experienced Invokana lawyer to discuss filing an Invokana lawsuit to seek compensation for your injuries.

Do All SLGT-2 Inhibitors Cause Genital Gangrene?

At least 11 different SGLT-2 drugs are prescribed to patients worldwide.

Only 3 of these SGLT-2 drugs have been scientifically linked to genital gangrene.

The drugs that have shown to cause the genital gangrene disease include:

• Empagliflozin (Jardiance)
• Dapagliflozin (Farxiga)
• Canagliflozin (Invokana)

The other diabetes drugs have not demonstrated genital gangrene as an effect, but further research could potentially prove otherwise.

Type 2 Diabetes Medication Causes Genital Infection, FDA Warns

The FDA released a public safety alert, warning type 2 diabetes patients taking SGLT-2 inhibitors that they may be at risk of developing necrotizing fasciitis of the genitals and genital area.

Necrotizing fasciitis of the genital area, also called Fournier’s gangrene, is a life-threatening flesh-eating bacterial infection of the skin surrounding the muscles, nerves, fat, and blood vessels in the genitalia.

It is most common among men ages 50 to 79 and occurs in about 1.6 of 100,000 men annually in the U.S. It is very uncommon in women.

The FDA has mandated new prescribing information and patient medication guides making SGLT-2 patients aware of the increased risk of developing Necrotizing fasciitis for the following medications:

• Canagliflozin (Invokana, Invokamet, Invokamet XR)
• Dapagliflozin (Farxiga, Xigduo XR, Qtern)
• Empagliflozin (Jardiance, Glyxambi, Synjardy, Synjardy XR)
• Ertugliflozin (Steglatro, Segluromet, Steglujan)

Invokana Necrotizing Fasciitis Adverse Events Reports

Since March 2013, the FDA has received 12 reports of type 2 diabetes patients prescribed SGLT-2 inhibitors who have developed necrotizing fasciitis of the genitalia – five women and seven men ranging from 38 to 78 years old.

All of the four SGLT-2 drug-types except ertugliflozin were included in the reports – although there have been no reports so far, the FDA stated that ertugliflozin would be expected to run an equal risk to patients.

For these individuals, the window of development ranged from 7 days to 25 months after taking SGLT-2 inhibitors with an average of 9.2 months.

All 12 individuals who reported developing necrotizing fasciitis of the genitalia were hospitalized and underwent a surgical procedure to remove the infection.

Five of the individuals underwent more than one surgical procedure.

One individual required skin grafting.

Four of the individuals dealt with post-surgical complications including diabetic ketoacidosis, acute kidney injury, and septic shock.

There was one reported death.

Two individuals were transferred to a rehabilitation hospital.

Symptoms of Genital Gangrene

Symptoms of Fournier’s gangrene include:

• Tenderness
• Redness
• Swelling of the genital area
• Body temperature exceeding 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit

If you are prescribed an SGLT-2 inhibitor to treat type 2 diabetes, and you show any signs or symptoms of Fournier’s gangrene, seek medical attention right away.

Fournier’s gangrene is a degenerating disease, worsening over time.

If caught in its early stages, Fournier’s gangrene can be treated with antibiotics – but if left untreated, a surgical procedure may be necessary.

If you are taking an SGLT-2 inhibitor to treat type 2 diabetes, talk to your doctor about the risks of your medication and whether you are eligible for other type 2 diabetic treatments.

If you are currently or were ever taking an SGLT-2 inhibitor, and as a result developed necrotizing fasciitis of the genital area / Fournier’s gangrene, contact the offices of TorHoerman Law.

You may be eligible to participate in an Invokana genital gangrene lawsuit.

Additional FDA Reports of Invokana Genital Gangrene Link

The FDA examined users of Invokana and other SLGT-2 inhibitors between 2013 and 2019 and found 55 cases of Invokana genital gangrene.

Almost 90% of cases were in men.

The FDA reported that all of the patients had to undergo immediate surgery to treat the illness.

Even patients who received proper treatment could suffer further complications such as septic shock or diabetic ketoacidosis.

Despite the rates of Invokana genital gangrene being quite low, the FDA concluded that physicians should be aware of the risks when prescribing Invokana to their patients.

Invokana Genital Gangrene Injury

Genital gangrene is one of the serious health risks linked to Invokana. Left untreated, it can be fatal.

Even treated, genital gangrene from Invokana can have serious and permanent adverse health effects.

Be sure to speak with your doctor if you notice changes in your health after starting Invokana.

If you or your doctor suspect that you’ve suffered an injury caused by Invokana, contact an Invokana lawyer right away.

Other SGLT-2 Diabetes Drugs with Dangerous Side Effects

Following the release of Invokana, the FDA approved drugs in the same SGLT-2 class.

All though they carry a different brand name, these follow-up drugs carry the same risks and warnings as Invokana and Invokamet.

These follow-up SGLT-2 inhibitors also include:

• Canagliflozin (Invokana, Invokamet, Invokamet XR)
• Dapagliflozin (Farxiga, Xigduo XR, Qtern)
• Empagliflozin (Jardiance, Glyxambi, Synjardy, Synjardy XR)
• Ertugliflozin (Steglatro, Segluromet, Steglujan)

Farxiga Linked to Increased Risk of Bladder Cancer

Diabetes drug lawsuits are being filed on behalf of individuals who suffered injuries as a result of Farxiga.

Farxiga was first approved for the market in 2014, after being rejected for approval by the FDA in multiple prior pre-market trial phases.

Farxiga is similar to most other SGLT2 inhibitors, with the distinction of being five times more likely to cause bladder cancer.

Farxiga may also increase the progression of bladder cancers in patients who are prone to bladder cancer, according to studies conducted by the Cancer Prevention & Treatment Fund.

Farxiga lawsuits started to amass following the shocking FDA report that Farxiga manufacturer’s safety claims contradicted FDA findings, leading to investigations into the Farxiga’s safety.

Invokana Lawsuit Filed On Behalf of Injured Patients

A conglomeration of patients has filed an Invokana lawsuit against the manufacturer, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson.

The Invokana lawsuit claims Invokana/Janssen:

• Is a defective and unreasonably dangerous product
• Puts patients at risk of amputation, kidney damage, and ketoacidosis.
• Manufacturer, Janssen Pharmaceutical, failed to warn consumers of these known risks.
• Janssen failed to test Invokana for all possible side effects.
• The company also held in-house data, which indicated the dangers of the drug, from the FDA and consumers.

Hundreds of cases have been filed across the United States, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and California, against the manufacturer of Invokana. Cases have been filed in Canada, as well.

The Invokana lawsuit bellwether trials began in the fall of 2018.

Filing an Invokana Lawsuit

Before filing an Invokana lawsuit, you should first consult with a doctor and mitigate your injuries.

After that, begin to familiarize yourself with the steps of a civil lawsuit, so you know what to expect of your Invokana lawsuit.

You will need to find an attorney to represent you as your Invokana lawyer.

Hiring a personal injury lawyer is a very important step – choose a lawyer with experience in personal injury lawsuits and bad drug lawsuits.

Do not wait to intiate your legal action – your state statute of limitations will limit the amount of time you have after discovering your injury to file an Invokana lawsuit.

Your Invokana lawyer will help you determine compensatory damages and punitive damages, gather evidence to prove those damages, determine liability for those damages, and gain you compensation to cover your losses.

TorHoerman Law: Your Invokana Lawyer

At TorHoerman Law, we offer no-obligation, free case consultations for all potential Invokana lawsuit clients.

Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, so we don’t get paid unless our clients do first.

We are experienced in  bad drug law, personal injury law, product liability law, and we have the reputation to back up our claim as a winning law firm.

So, contact us today to learn why TorHoerman Law is your Invokana Law Firm.