Another Claim Filed in Diabetic Ketoacidosis

A new Invokana lawsuit has been filed on behalf of a woman who allegedly developed diabetics ketoacidosis in the California federal court. According to her October 26^th filing, the Plaintiff was prescribed Invokana be her physician to improve glycemic control in conjunction with diet and exercise. Unfortunately in October 2013, she was hospitalized as a result of diabetic ketoacidosis. The complaint claims that Johnson & Johnson were aware of data linking Invokana to the development of diabetic ketoacidosis, but failed to adequately warn physicians about the risks associated with the medication and the monitoring required to ensure their patients’ safety.

Sandy A. Liebhard, a partner at Bernstein Liebhard LLP, was quoted as saying “our Firm has heard from a number of individuals who allegedly developed ketoacidosis due to their use of Invokana and other SGLT2 inhibitor diabetes drugs. As we continue to investigate these claims, we will monitor this matter closely. The Firm is now evaluating product liability claims on behalf of Type 2 diabetes patients who were hospitalized following a diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis, allegedly due to their use of SGLT2 inhibitors.

Invokana and Diabetic Ketoacidosis

SGLT2 inhibitors lower blood glucose levels by facilitating the removal of glucose via the kidneys. Invokana was launched in March of 2013 as the first SGLT2 inhibitor to be approved for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes.

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a potentially life threatening condition that can lead to diabetic coma or death. The condition occurs when toxic blood acids called ketones accumulate in the blood. In May 2015, the FDA announced that it was investigating 20 reports of diabetic ketoacidosis in patients taking SGLT2 inhibitors to determine whether changes are needed in prescribing information for this class of medications. The incidents, which prompted the FDA to act, all occurred from March 2013 to June 6, 2014. The agency acknowledged that additional reports have been received since June 2014. The FDA has advised SGLT2 inhibitor patients to seek medical attention immediately if they experience difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, and unusual fatigue or sleepiness.

If you have Type 2 diabetes and have used Invokana or another SGLT2 inhibitor and as a result developed diabetic ketoacidosis, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and other related damages. Contact Balkin & Mausner today for a free evaluation to see if you have a case by visiting us here or calling us at 888-751-5908. We’re here for you.