The type-2 diabetes drug Invokana has been linked to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening side effect involving too much acid in the bloodstream. It can occur in patients with normal blood-sugar levels, which could delay diagnosis and increase the risk of death.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Invokana induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
UPDATE: Invokana Doubles Ketoacidosis Risk, Study Finds
In June 2017, a study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that Invokana doubles the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKS) compared to diabetes medications in the DPP-4 inhibitor class. The estimated risk of DKA is 5 to 8 patients per 1,000 who start taking Invokana or other diabetes drugs in the SGLT2 inhibitor class. Click here to read more.
Invokana and Ketoacidosis
One of the most serious side effects of Invokana is diabetic ketoacidosis, a condition that occurs when the body does not have enough insulin to use blood-sugar as fuel, so it starts breaking down fat cells. This releases blood-acids known as ketones, which are toxic to the body in high levels. Without treatment, it can lead to coma and death.
What is the problem?
Unfortunately, SGLT2 inhibitors have been linked to over 100 cases of diabetic ketoacidosis. Invokana is associated with a much higher risk of ketoacidosis than other SGLT2 inhibitors, according to a study of clinical trial data published in Diabetes Care.
Blood-Sugar Levels May Be Normal
Normally, ketoacidosis occurs in people with type-1 diabetes who have very high blood-sugar. However, it has been reported in patients with type-2 diabetes on Invokana who had normal blood-sugar or only moderate hyperglycemia. This could delay diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms of Ketoacidosis
Patients on Invokana who develop symptoms of ketoacidosis should seek emergency medical attention. Without treatment, ketoacidosis can significantly worsen and cause death. Serious symptoms may include:
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea, vomiting
- Excessive thirst
- Difficulty breathing
- Unusual fatigue and sleepiness
- Frequent urination
- Weakness
- Fruity-scented breath
- Confusion
Ketoacidosis Safety Warnings
Warnings about ketoacidosis from Invokana have been issued by several major health regulators. The FDA led the way by issuing a Safety Communication in May 2015 after receiving 20 reports of ketoacidosis in patients on SGLT2 inhibitors. In June 2015, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) issued a warning after finding 101 reports of the side effect.
In December 2015, the FDA updated the label on Invokana to include ketoacidosis. The agency said it received 73 reports of patients on SGLT2 inhibitors who were hospitalized with ketoacidosis between March 2013 and May 2015. According to the FDA:
“Patients should stop taking their SGLT2 inhibitor and seek medical attention immediately if they have any symptoms of ketoacidosis, 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.”
Acute Illness or Trauma May Precede Ketoacidosis
The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) also issued a warning in August 2015 and described types of illnesses that were seen in some patients just before they developed ketoacidosis: urinary tract infection, urosepsis, gastroenteritis, influenza, trauma, surgery, reduced caloric or fluid intake, and/or reduced insulin dose.
Complications of Ketoacidosis
- Cerebral edema (swelling and fluid buildup in the brain)
- Heart attack
- Blood clots
- Extremely low blood pressure
- Intestinal tissue damage due to lack of blood-flow
- Kidney failure
- Coma
- Death (about 1-5% of cases are deadly)
Do I have an Invokana Ketoacidosis Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Invokana induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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