Diabetic patients who use Jardiance can develop ketoacidosis (too much acid in the blood), a life-threatening complication that can occur even when blood-sugar levels are normal.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Jardiance induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with 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 toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
What is the problem?
Jardiance (empagliflozin) treats type-2 diabetes by forcing the kidneys to excrete more sugar from the body in urine, which lowers blood-sugar levels. It belongs to a class of drugs called SGLT2 inhibitors. The FDA warned about the risk of ketoacidosis from Jardiance and other SGLT2 inhibitors in December 2015. The agency ordered drug-makers to update the label on Jardiance.
How Many Cases Have Been Reported?
Between March 2013 and May 2015, the FDA received 73 reports of ketoacidosis from all SGLT2 inhibitors. Jardiance was linked to 12 reports of ketoacidosis in 2015, according to a report by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP).
What is the Risk?
Clinical trials indicate that ketoacidosis occurs in less than 1% of patients on SGLT2 inhibitors. However, the chances are higher for people with certain risk-factors — uncontrolled diabetes, a recent illness (cold, flu, etc.) or infection, emotional stress, physical injury, recent surgery, eating less, or drinking a lot of alcohol.
What Can I Do?
Patients on Jardiance should use urine test strips to check ketone levels. It is also a good idea to check blood-sugar levels, though ketoacidosis can occur even when blood-sugar levels are only slightly higher than usual. You should also stop taking Jardiance and seek emergency medical attention if you develop symptoms of ketoacidosis.
What is Ketoacidosis?
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) occurs when the blood and body fluids become very acidic due to high levels of toxic acids called ketones. They are produced by the liver when the body burns fat for energy instead of using blood-sugar.
Symptoms of Ketoacidosis
The symptoms of ketoacidosis can develop in less than 24 hours. The most common symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Tiredness
- Trouble breathing
- Confusion or loss of consciousness
How is Ketoacidosis Treated?
Untreated ketoacidosis can lead to cerebral edema (swelling in the brain), diabetic coma (unconsciousness), heart problems, cardiac arrest, shock, and even death. With early treatment, the risk of long-term complications is low. Hospitalization is usually necessary to treat ketoacidosis. Most people receive intravenous (IV) fluids, electrolytes and minerals, and insulin to normalize blood-sugar levels. In most cases, patients go home from the hospital within a couple days.
Do I have a Jardiance Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Jardiance induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with 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 toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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