Invokana Kidney and Renal Failure
Active Mass Tort Lawsuits
Johnson and Johnson’s illustrious type 2 diabetic drug Invokana has recently been linked to the fatal side effects of kidney failure and renal impairment. Lawsuits are being filed claiming that the Invokana manufacturer failed to warn the public and the medical community of the increased risk of kidney failure. Our highly qualified lawyers are accepting Invokana-induced injury cases.
Invokana Kidney Failure
Invokana is a prescription medication used to treat type 2 diabetes when diet and exercise alone do not suffice to control and lower blood glucose levels. It works in reducing blood glucose levels by utilizing the kidneys to excrete excess sugars into the urine.
Invokana belongs to a class of diabetic medications known as SGLT2 inhibitors. Herein lies the problem, because Invokana, relies heavily on the kidneys, it poses a great risk for kidney failure.
The kidneys are responsible for removing or excreting toxins and wastes, balancing the levels of fluid and filtering blood. Kidney failure, therefore, occurs when there is damage or cessation to the above filtration system.
Although many patients have had the fortune of receiving a successful treatment with Invokana, others have suffered dire and critical side effects such as kidney failure.
Signs & Symptoms of Kidney Damage or Renal Impairment
- Loss of appetite
- General malaise and feeling of fatigue
- Headaches
- Itching and dry skin
- Nausea
- Unintentional weight loss
- Shortness of breath,
- Lethargy,
- Confusion,
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Sudden death (rare cases)
Is Kidney failure Treatable?
Kidney failure is an irreversible event. Unfortunately, the only treatment for it is a kidney transplant from an organ donor. Sadly, an organ transplant can take years to become available, in the interim, individuals in need of a kidney transplant can receive dialysis, which includes mechanically filtering the blood and running it through a machine that then removes excess fluids and unnecessary toxins.
Manufactured by Johnson & Johnson and its Janssen partners, it is alleged that the diabetic medication Invokana grossed $278 million dollars in 2015 alone, making it the top-earning drug in its class.
Although unfortunate, it is apparent that the manufacturers of Invokana sought out profits instead of consumer safety. Janssen pharmaceuticals quietly updated their labels to include the risk of acute kidney damage in May of 2016. Three years after it has been on the market. Earning over a million dollars in sales last year, it is apparent that J&J and Janssen pharmaceuticals are de-emphasizing the severity of the risks linked to Invokana. The notorious manufacturing company is intent on withholding information from the public as Invokana has been about Invokana kidney failure, not just acute kidney injury, as described in Janssen’s newest warning label.
Earning over a million dollars in sales last year, it is apparent that J&J and Janssen pharmaceuticals are de-emphasizing the severity of the risks linked to Invokana. The notorious manufacturing company is intent on withholding information from the public as Invokana has been about Invokana kidney failure, not just acute kidney injury, as described in Janssen’s newest warning label.
Invokana Kidney Problems
Other fatal complications that are linked to Invokana include Renal impairment and polynephritis. In May of 2015 Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) cautioned that Invokana was connected to over 457 serious adverse events in its first year on the market, including 54 reports of Invokana induced renal impairment.
- Polynephritis occurs when a bacteria or virus enters the kidneys and therefore causes an infection. Although rare, it can pose a serious complication as it can scare the kidneys and lead to various chronic kidney diseases
- Renal impairment is defined as impaired kidney function. It occurs when the kidneys fail to adequately filter waste and toxins from the blood.
Invokana FDA Warnings
Shortly after its release on the market, Invokana was allegedly linked to nearly 50 cases of kidney failure.
- 19 reports of patients on SLGT2 inhibitors developing fatal conditions such as kidney failure were reported to the FDA between March 2013 to October 2014
- A safety alert of new warnings for Invokana was released by the FDA in December 2015
- In June of 2016, the FDA reinforced their warnings to include acute kidney impairment from Invokana
- From March 2013 to October 2015, the FDA allegedly received 101 cases of acute kidney impairment.
Although there are sufficient warnings to warrant off the medication, Invokana has yet to be recalled, it is available to consumers for prescription with caution.
Invokana Kidney Failure Lawsuit
It is unjust for a medication that was designed to treat a medical condition cause a life-threatening illness.
It is also unlawful for a manufacturing company to withhold pertinent information such as the serious risk of kidney failure linked to their diabetes medication Invokana, Failure to inform the public and the medical community of this serious and fatal side effect is punishable by a lawsuit.
If you have or a loved one has been diagnosed with Invokana kidney failure or renal impairment due to the use of Invokana, you may be entitled to compensation.
Although no amount of money can undo the damage possibly caused by Invokana, we understand the long process of organ transplant and the uncomfortable procedure of dialysis. Filing an Invokana lawsuit will help injured parties in sustaining compensation to atone for lost wages, and medical bills for the past or future.
Contact our highly experienced investigating Invokana lawyers now for a free case evaluation.