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    Type 2 Diabetes Drug Invokana® Side Effects

    Invokana® (or canagliflozin) is a new age prescription drug intended to lower blood sugar in adult-onset type 2 diabetes.  The once daily pill is made by Janssen Pharmaceuticals and marketed as a drug that works differently than other Type 2 diabetic drugs.

    The United States Food & Drug Administration (“FDA”) recently issued a safety announcement warning that the type 2 diabetes medicines canagliflozin (“Invokana®” & “Invokamet®”), dapagliflozin (“Farxiga®” & “Xigduo XR®”), and empagliflozin (“Glyxambi®” & “Jardiance®”) may lead to serious side effects such as ketoacidosis, a serious condition where the body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones that may require hospitalization.

    If you or a loved one meets the following criteria and are suffering from side effects, call the Invokana® lawyers of The Parian Law Firm, LLC today to discuss your potential claim.

    Invokana® Lawsuit Criteria

    1. Took One of the Following Drugs – Invokana®, Invokamet®, Glyxambi, Jardiance, Farxiga, or Xigduo XR;
    2. Suffered from Ketoacidosis, a Heart Attack, or Kidney Failure;
    3. Sought Medical Attention as a Result.

    What is Invokana® and Invokamet®?

    Invokana® is the latest in a long line of prescription drugs known as SLGT2 Inhibitors.  SLGT2 stands for sodium glucose cotransporter 2.  By inhibiting the patient’s SLGT2, these drugs lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes when used in conjunction with proper dieting and exercise.  Invokana® and the other SLGT2 inhibitors cause glucose (or blood sugar) to pass through the kidneys and urine.

    Invokana® is Not the Only SLGT2 Inhibitor

    There is lots of competition in the pharmaceutical industry.  As we told you earlier, Invokana® is made by Jannsen Pharmaceuticals.  Other prescription drug manufacturers have joined in to the SLGT2 inhibitor party and their drugs are also being investigated.

    • Other SLGT2 Inhibitors Prescribed to Type 2 Diabetics
      • Invokamet® – Combines Canagliflozin and Metformin – Made by Jannsen Pharmaceuticals
      • Glyxambi® – Combines Empagliflozin and Linagliptin – Made by Boehringer Ingelheim
      • Jardiance® – Empagliflozin – Made by Boehringer Ingelheim
      • Farxiga® – Dapagliflozin – Made by AstraZeneca
      • Xigduo XR® – Combines Dapagliflozin and Metformin in extended release form – Made by AstraZeneca

    Known Side Effects and Risks of Invokana®

    Possible side effects are known for all prescription drugs on the market.  Yet, sometimes different side effects become known after the drug hits the market. Possible side effects while taking Invokana® and the other SLGT2 Inhibitors Invokamet®, Glyxambi, Jardiance, Farxiga, and Xigduo XR include:

    • Ketoacidosis – On May 15, 2015, the United States Food & Drug Administration (“FDA”) issued a safety announcement warning that use of SLGT2 inhibitors may lead to an increased risk of ketoacidosis.  Ketoacidosis is a serious condition that often requires hospitalization.  It occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin.  Without enough insulin being produced, the body breaks down fat to provide it the necessary energy.  The breakdown of fat causes the body to produce high levels of blood acids called ketones.  Excessive ketones in the body causes ketoacidosis.  Symptoms of ketoacidosis include difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, and unusual fatigue or sleepiness.
    • Heart Attack (medically called a myocardial infarction) – Your heart requires oxygen, which is delivered by two large arteries.  When either of those arteries is blocked, your heart is not getting the oxygen it needs.  Lack of oxygen causes your heart tissue to die and results in a myocardial infarction.
    • Kidney Failure – Your kidneys filter waste products from the blood.  When they stop working, the body requires dialysis or a kidney transplant to keep functioning.  Kidney failure can come on very sudden so it is crucial that you pay attention to the symptoms such as weakness, shortness of breath, lethargy, confusion, and abnormal heart rhythms.

    Instances of Adverse Side Effects on SLGT2 Inhibitors Such as Invokana®

    The FDA maintains a database of adverse events involving prescription drugs.  The FDA reports it identified 20 cases of acidosis reported as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), ketoacidosis, or ketosis in patients treated with SGLT2 inhibitors from March 2013 to June 6, 2014.  All patients required ER visits or hospitalization to treat the ketoacidosis.  Since June 2014, the FDA has continued to receive additional reports for DKA and ketoacidosis in patients treated with SGLT2 inhibitors such as Invokana®.

    Our Invokana® Lawsuit Attorneys Are Waiting to Hear From You

    Our lawyers are on the front lines of the investigation into the serious side effects of Invokana® and the other SLGT2 inhibitors.  We want to hear from you if you or a loved one has suffered any bad side effects while on the prescription drug.  Unlike many other law firms specializing in pharmaceutical litigation, you will hear from one of our lawyers within 8 hours of getting in touch with our office. We strive to give our clients the best client experience possible.