If you or someone you love was prescribed Invokana to treat type II diabetes and have since been diagnosed with bladder cancer, it is crucial that you speak with a medical malpractice attorney right away.
One might think that the drug only recently showed signs of causing cancer, but unfortunately, clinical trials and testing revealed that the drug may have been known to do so over a year before Invokana even came to the US market.
In addition to bladder and kidney cancer, diabetics who were prescribed Invokana have suffered a wide array of other severe side effects. You should discuss your medical malpractice case with an attorney so they can help you take the next steps in seeking justice and compensation.
Why Was Invokana Prescribed?
Originally, Invokana was thought to be a new, special drug to help type II diabetics control glycemia levels. It showed promising signs by treating diabetic symptoms as an SGLT2 inhibitor.
Unfortunately, a number of SGLT2 inhibitors, including Invokana, have proven to do more harm than good.
When Lawsuits Began Over Invokana
Lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson over the adverse effects of Invokana only began in the last few years in New Jersey. At first, the lawsuits alleged that Johnson & Johnson did not disclose the drug risks associated with diabetic ketoacidosis.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Patients taking Invokana began complaining of pain in the stomach, followed by vomiting and dehydration. Additionally, patients began experiencing chest pain, breathing difficulties, and more.
These are symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis, a complication where the body produces too many blood acids. If left untreated, the condition can ultimately lead to death, but if diagnosed and treated promptly, the effects are manageable.
After more cases of diabetic ketoacidosis were reported, the FDA issued a warning, but Johnson & Johnson continued to market their product. Doctors continued prescribing Invokana in spite of the warnings.
Decreased Bone Density
There have also been reported cases where taking Invokana can lead to brittle bones, which can cause fractures.
The FDA promptly issued a new warning noting that patients taking Invokana could begin losing significant bone density within 3 months of use.
Acute Kidney Injury
The FDA issued another warning in 2016 stating that a number of cases had surfaced where Invokana users suffered acute kidney injury.
Johnson & Johnson continued selling the drug, and doctors were merely advised to look for symptoms of acute kidney injury before taking their patients off Invokana.
Risk of Amputation
One of the more recent (and disturbing) FDA warnings came out in 2017 when a number of Invokana-prescribed diabetics began experiencing pain and numbness in their limbs. Many of these patients had to have limbs amputated.
Cancer
Because clinical trials showed a strong possibility that the use of Invokana could lead to bladder and kidney cancer, lawsuits have increased against companies selling and doctors prescribing SGLT2 inhibitors.
Cancer has surfaced most commonly in older males who had been taking Invokana for a year or more.
If you or someone you love has been prescribed Invokana, consult with your doctor about the risks and FDA warnings. If you’ve already begun experiencing any of the side effects listed above, you must speak with a doctor and attorney right away.
For more information about how an Indiana Medical Malpractice attorney can help you with your Invokana case, contact Stewart & Stewart at 800-333-3529 or visit our website.