7 Facts You Should Know About the Diabetes Medication Invokana

More and more people in the U.S. are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes every year. The 30 million Americans living with diabetes are prone to a number of significant problems including heart disease, blindness, stroke, and hypertension. To combat the problems of type 2 diabetes, many people are prescribed medicine to reduce blood sugar levels. One such medicine is Invokana (canagliflozin).

Invokana is a once-a-day pill that can help lower blood sugar for adults with type 2 diabetes. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently concluded that canagliflozin, also known as Invokana, causes a doubled risk of leg and foot amputations, which is alarming. Moreover, even newer studies show that it can cause a life-threatening form of gangrene.

At Carabin Shaw, our U.S. attorneys understand the importance of knowing the facts. The dangers associated with taking Invokana can lead to life-threatening conditions, and we believe if you’ve used Invokana, you need to be armed with the right information. As product liability lawyers in the U.S., our experience has taught us that knowledge is power for our clients. Here are 7 facts you should know about the diabetes medication Invokana:

1. How it works: Invokana (Canagliflozin) belongs to a class of FDA-approved prescription medicines known as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. These medicines cause the kidneys to take sugar out of the body through urine.
2. Canagliflozin FDA alert: In May of 2017, the FDA concluded that, based on the results of two clinical trials, patients using Canagliflozin were twice as likely to need a foot or leg amputation. The first study found that, on average, 5.9 out of every 1,000 Canagliflozin patients needed a leg or foot amputation, as opposed to 2.8 out of every 1,000 patients treated with a placebo, a control drug used in trials that has no physiological effects. The second study found similar results, confirming that Invokana doubles a patient’s risk of amputation.
3. The black box warning: After the clinical trials, an Invokana FDA black box warning was added to the U.S. packaging of Invokana on May 16th, 2017. A black box warning is the strictest warning applied to a drug based on evidence that the drug could cause serious injury or even death.
4. Invokana leg and foot amputations: Of the 2,000 patients in the trial studies, 140 received amputations. The majority of amputations for patients receiving Canagliflozin were either of the foot (99 out of 140 patients). However, Invokana leg amputations were observed for 41 out of the 140 patients. Some patients even required multiple amputations, most commonly caused by foot ulcers, ischemia, and lower limb infections.
5. Invokana causing gangrene: As of August 29th, 2018, the FDA has issued a new warning about Canagliflozin causing Fournier’s gangrene. This type of gangrene is a rare, serious infection of the area around the genitals or the genitals themselves, and anyone taking Canagliflozin is at risk of developing this potentially deadly bacterial infection.
6. When to talk to your doctor: The Invokana dangers require patients to constantly monitor themselves for any symptoms that could lead to a lower limb amputation or Fournier’s gangrene. If you or a loved one develops tenderness or pain, ulcers, or sores, or if you experience swelling, pain, or fever, you need to contact your healthcare physician immediately. This may be the most important of the 7 facts you should know about the diabetes medication Invokana.
7. Factors to consider before taking Invokana: In the clinical studies, the risk of leg or Invokana foot amputations was highest for patients who had a history of neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, or previous amputations. Talk with your doctor before taking Invokana.

At Carabin Shaw, we know that the risks associated with using Invokana (Canagliflozin) are serious. Now that you’ve read our 7 facts you should know about the diabetes medication Invokana, you know the truth about this medicine. If you or a loved one has had any complications due to Invokana, you need Carabin Shaw on your side to fight for you and your peace of mind.

The problems Invokana can cause are hard enough to cope with, so let us as your product liability lawyers in the U.S. make the reconciliation process easier. Let our expert staff take care of your case so you can take care of your family. Call a Carabin Shaw U.S. lawyer today for a free consultation.