Side Effects of Type 2 Diabetes Drugs Farxiga, Invokana, Jardiance, Invokamet May Outweigh Benefits

San Diego, CA, December 14, 2015 (Newswire.com) - ​New warnings about the risk of infections, ketoacidosis and other potential side effects of Type 2 diabetes drugs like Invokana, Farxiga, Jardiance and Invokamet have raised doubts about whether the benefits of the medications actually outweigh the risks they pose for patients. If you took Invokana or another Type 2 diabetes medication in the past, and you have since been diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis, a urinary tract infection, a blood infection, a kidney infection, kidney failure, or another serious side effect, contact a knowledgeable Invokana lawyer today. You may have grounds to file an lawsuit against Janssen Pharmaceuticals or the manufacturers of the other drugs, in order to pursue the financial compensation you deserve for your injuries and medical expenses.

FDA Warns of Potential Diabetes Drug Side Effects

In a new drug safety communication issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on December 4, the agency indicates that an FDA safety review has “resulted in adding warnings to the labels of a specific class of type 2 diabetes medicines called sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors about the risk of too much acid in the blood and of serious urinary tract infections.” The FDA also warns in the new health advisory that both of these conditions can result in hospitalization, and that “patients should stop taking their SGLT2 inhibitor and seek medical attention immediately if they have any symptoms of ketoacidosis.”

What is Diabetic Ketoacidosis?

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious medical condition that occurs when the cells don’t get the glucose they need for energy and begin burning fat for fuel instead, which produces blood acids called ketones. When ketones build up in the body, they make the blood more acidic and can actually poison the body. When levels of ketones in the blood get too high, the patient may develop diabetic ketoacidosis, which can lead to serious complications, like diabetic coma or even death. Other possible side effects of Invokana and similar SGLT2 inhibitor medications like Farxiga and Jardiance include heart attack, kidney damage and kidney failure.

FDA Warnings for Invokana Users

This latest FDA warning comes on the heels of a drug safety communication issued by the FDA in March 2015, which warned that “the type 2 diabetes medicines canagliflozin [Invokana], dapagliflozin [Farxiga] and empagliflozin [Jardiance] may lead to ketoacidosis, a serious condition where the body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones that may require hospitalization.” At that time, the FDA had identified 20 cases of acidosis reported as diabetic ketoacidosis, ketoacidosis or ketosis in patients treated with SGLT2 inhibitors like Invokana between March 2013 and June 6, 2014.

In its new advisory, the FDA warns of 73 cases of ketoacidosis the agency identified in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes treated with SGLT2 inhibitors from March 2013 to March 2015. The agency also warns in its latest safety communication about the risk of “life-threatening blood infections (urosepsis) and kidney infections (pyelonephritis) that started as urinary tract infections with the SGLT2 inhibitors.” According to the FDA, of the 19 cases of infections identified in connection with the use of the diabetes drugs, “all 19 patients were hospitalized, and a few required admission to an intensive care unit or dialysis in order to treat kidney failure.”

A Qualified Invokana Lawyer Can Help

If you believe you have been adversely affected by alleged Invokana side effects like ketoacidosis, kidney failure, a blood infection or a kidney infection, consult the Invokana Lawsuit Help Center today for legal help. With a knowledgeable Invokana attorney on your side, you can ensure that your legal rights are protected and seek fair and timely reimbursement for your losses.