Invokana, a drug approved by the FDA in 2013 to treat Type II diabetes is now the subject of Invokana amputation lawsuits. In fact, one of the potential side effects of the drug is necrosis—a condition which could lead to amputation of body parts. Invokana quickly became one of the most popular drugs to treat Type II diabetes, due largely to its ability to effectively manage blood sugar levels without being used in combination with other diabetes medications. Johnson & Johnson and its subsidiary, Janssen Pharmaceuticals now face Invokana amputation lawsuits because of the severe injuries many who took the drug have experienced.
Invokana First in New Class of Type II Diabetes Medications
Invokana was the first in a new class of Type II diabetes medications; the drug appeared to be able to improve blood glucose control, reduce systolic blood pressure and even reduce weight. Invokana is a SGLT2 drug—a sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor. The drug acts on the kidneys, disposing of glucose through the urine. Typically, when glucose filters from the bloodstream into the kidneys it is reabsorbed into the bloodstream, however Invokana sends the glucose out through a patient’s urine. Although the FDA approved Invokana in 2013, there were concerns, even at the time of approval. Janssen conducted at least nine clinical trials prior to submitting Invokana for approval by the FDA.
Invokana Receives Black Box Warning
These clinical trials found an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events within the first thirty days patients took the drug. While cardiovascular risks appeared to level off after that initial thirty days, the clinical trials found an increase in both HDL and LDL cholesterol among many study participants. When the FDA approved the drug, the agency did so with a caveat—Janssen was instructed to conduct five post-market, long-term studies on the drug, including one study which gauged the cardiovascular risks of Invokana.
Since Invokana was approved by the FDA, a significant number of adverse event reports were sent to the FDA. Subsequently, the FDA warned the public regarding potential kidney failure related to Invokana, ketoacidosis and bone deterioration. Further, the FDA mandated that Janssen would place a Black Box warning on the drug to highlight an increased risk of foot and leg amputations associated with Invokana.
Two Large Invokana Clinical Trials Have Alarming Results
Two large Invokana clinical trials were undertaken; the first found that nearly six out of every 1,000 patients treated with the drug suffered an amputation (only 2.9 out of 1,000 taking the placebo experienced an amputation). The second trial resulted in even more dismal numbers with 7.5 out of every 1,000 Invokana patients experiencing an amputation. As of December 2017 there were 952 Invokana complaints pending. The majority of these lawsuits involved injuries to kidneys, serious ketoacidosis, infections and stroke, although some did allege Invokana amputations. Many of the lawsuits currently filed against Johnson & Johnson and Janssen allege the manufacturers knew—or should have known about the serious side effects of Invokana, including Invokana amputations.
Helping Clients Who Have Suffered an Invokana Amputation
Clients who have been injured as the result of taking Invokana could find themselves with medical expenses they are unable to pay. These clients may also be unable to work because of the serious nature of the Invokana amputations. Once your client’s case is settled and their award is known, USClaims can help them pay medical and day-to-day expenses related to an Invokana amputation while they wait for the payment of the court judgment or settlement.
Involved in an Invokana Amputation Lawsuit?
At USClaims, we offer pre-settlement funding, if a case is qualified for pre-settlement funding then we would purchase a portion of the proceeds of the anticipated court judgment or settlement for some cash now. USClaims only funds mass tort cases, like Invokana, once the case is settled and the client’s award is known. USClaims only gets paid if a case is won or has reached a settlement! Apply now or call us today at 1-877-USCLAIMS to learn more.
