In recent years researchers discovered new dangers of Invokana, the blockbuster prescription used to treat type 2 diabetes. Invokana, the brand-name version of canagliflozin, belongs to a drug class known as sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors. SGLT-2 inhibitors, like Invokana, are used to treat type 2 diabetes in adults by improving blood sugar levels. Currently Invokana is not available in the generic form, and its one active drug ingredient is canagliflozin.
Severe Invokana Side Effects
Researchers found Invokana has a spectrum of side effects ranging from mild to severe. However, recent studies uncovered extremely serious side effects from taking Invokana, side effects that could become potentially life threatening.
Severe Invokana side effects may include:
- Dehydration
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Kidney damage
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Fournier’s Gangrene
- Bone Fractures
- Amputation of lower limbs
Invokana Fournier's Gangrene
One of the dangers of Invokana is an infection known as Fournier’s Gangrene. Fournier’s Gangrene, otherwise known as necrotizing fasciitis, is a flesh-eating rash that infects the area between the rectum and genitals. Fournier’s gangrene can be life threatening if not treated quickly.
A safety announcement released by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2018 warned the public about the risk of Fournier’s gangrene from taking Invokana, requiring a new warning label to be added to Invokana’s Medication Guide. However, many Invokana patients have developed Fournier’s gangrene and experience severe pain and suffering from the dangerous prescription.
Invokana Causing Lower Limb Amputation
Another one of the known dangers of Invokana is an increased risk of lower limb amputations. According to clinical trials conducted by the FDA, canagliflozin increases users’ risk of leg and foot amputations, and that risk only increases for users who already underwent a previous amputation. Some studies indicated that Invokana could increase leg and foot amputation risk by 97% due to Invokana decreasing blood flow to lower limbs.
The FDA required a boxed warning label to be added to Invokana about the increased risk of lower limb amputations. This black box warning label is the most severe warning label the FDA issues, which Invokana received in 2017.
Were You Injured by Invokana Side Effects?
If you experienced a severe side effect like Fournier’s Gangrene or a lower limb amputation after taking Invokana, you may want to talk with a lawyer immediately. Injured Invokana patients are filing claims against Invokana manufacturers for selling toxic medication without disclosing the severe health risks of taking Invokana. If you sustained injuries from taking Invokana, you may be entitled to compensation to help cover financial burdens caused by toxic Invokana medication. Contact the McGartland Law Firm today to learn more about your legal options and for your free, no-obligation case evaluation.
Sources
“Canagliflozin: MedlinePlus Drug Information.” MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a613033.html.
Victor Nguyen, PharmD. “Invokana: Side Effects, Dosage, Alternatives, and More.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 13 Sept. 2019, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326234#about.
