The type 2 diabetes drug Invokana (canagliflozin) has been linked to renal impairment and kidney failure. Invokana was the first in a new class of diabetes drugs to receive approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors work by inhibiting the kidneys’ ability to function normally so that sugar is excreted in the urine. Invokana was approved in 2013. In the first year that it was available there were 54 reports of renal impairment or kidney failure.
Reviewing the Data
The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) analyzes data from the FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) to produce its report QuarterWatch. In the May, 2015 edition the ISMP discussed the dangers of Invokana, including kidney damage. It found at least 457 serious adverse event reports involving Invokana, 54 of which were renal impairment of kidney failure.
- Adverse effects related to kidney problems included:
- Kidney failure or impairment
- Dehydration and fluid imbalances
- Kidney stones
- Urinary tract infections
- Abnormal or other weight loss
Failure to Warn
If you have suffered renal impairment or kidney failure while taking Invokana, you may be able to recover compensation for your existing and future losses. Janssen Pharmaceutical had a duty to warn doctors and patients of this potentially fatal side effect.
Kidney failure can be fatal and those who survive can suffer permanent injuries which can require life-long dialysis treatments or kidney transplant. If you believe that Invokana caused your injuries or the death of a loved one, please do not wait until it is too late for you to file a claim. Talk to an experienced defective drug attorney right away.
