Invokana is a drug used for treatment of type-2 diabetes that has recently become the topic of many lawsuits in North America. The purpose of the drug is to maintain blood sugar levels in the patient by forcing the kidneys to release excess sugar through urination. This causes more stress on the kidneys than what is typically put on them without the drug. The Invokana lawsuit is growing everyday as more patients have been affected by the drug.
What is the reason for the lawsuits?
According to the FDA there have been 19 filed claims of people who developed blood and kidney infections as a result of Invokana. According to Digital Journal, all of the patients filing the Invokana lawsuit alleged to have required hospitalization and kidney failure treatment with dialysis. The first side effect that can cause serious health issues is an increase in the amount of acid in the blood, as well as Urinary Tract Infections (UTI). These harmful side effects have led to the hospitalization of many Invokana users. Another serious side effect of the drug is Ketoacidosis. In another post by Digital Journal, many patients have filed lawsuits against manufacturers claiming that the drug causes severe side effects and that the companies were negligent in communicating the risks associated with the drugs.
What is Ketoacidosis?
Ketoacidosis is defined by the FDA as “a serious condition in which the body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones. Symptoms of ketoacidosis include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, tiredness, and trouble breathing. Patients should also be alert for signs and symptoms of a urinary tract infection, such as a feeling of burning when urinating or the need to urinate often or right away; pain in the lower part of the stomach area or pelvis; fever; or blood in the urine.” If you have experienced symptoms of Ketoacidosis, you should contact a doctor immediately.