Rhode Island Injury Lawyers Release Invokana Infographic

The Rhode Island personal injury law firm of d’Oliveira & Associates has released a new infographic about the dangers of the drug Invokana, which is used to treat those with Type 2 diabetes. Our infographic is a one-stop source for information you need in order to understand how to protect your rights if you or a loved one has suffered adverse side effects as a result of taking Invokana.

Invokana Side Effects

Invokana is what is known as an SGLT2 inhibitor. It is usually prescribed in combination with diet and exercise to improve glycemic control and lower blood sugar in adults with Type 2 diabetes. When left untreated, Type 2 diabetes can lead to serious problems including heart disease and stroke. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. SGLT2 inhibitors work as they lower a person’s blood sugar by causing the kidneys to remove it through the urine.

The most serious side effects caused as a result of Invokana use are as follows:

• Heart attack: Myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, is the irreversible death of cells within the heart caused by a restriction of blood. It occurs when there is a blockage in the arteries preventing blood of reaching portions of the heart. When that occurs, vital nutrients and oxygen no longer reach the heart. If this condition is left untreated, the heart tissue dies.
• Kidney damage/failure: This occurs when the kidneys stop functioning without the use of dialysis or a kidney transplant. Kidneys are vital organs that help filter out waste products from the blood. They are also responsible for regulating blood pressure, electrolyte balance and the production of red blood cells. When kidneys stop functioning properly, waste products, fluids and electrolytes build up in the body causing weakness, shortness of breath, lethargy, confusion and even death.
• Ketoacidosis: This is one of the most common and most serious side effects of Invokana. It is a medical condition where high levels of ketones or blood acids are produced in the body. This serious condition may put a patient in a diabetic coma and cause extended hospitalization or even death.

FDA Warning about Invokana

So far, there have been no recalls involving Invokana. But, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned earlier this year that Invokana and other Type 2 diabetes drugs may cause ketoacidosis. Federal regulators warned that anyone taking the drug and experiencing symptoms such as breathing issues, nausea, vomiting, confusion and unusual fatigue should get immediate medical attention. So far, the FDA has received about 20 cases of ketoacidosis and all of these patients required hospitalization. A majority of these patients took the drug for about two weeks before the symptoms showed up. FDA officials have said that they are continuing to investigate this safety issue and will determine if changes are needed in the prescribing information for this class of drugs.

What You Can Do

Such an investigation may take months or even years to complete. A recall may not even be imminent. If you or a loved one has suffered severe side effects as a result of taking Invokana, you may be eligible to seek compensation for damages including medical bills, lost wages, hospitalization and pain and suffering.

The Rhode Island personal injury law firm of d’Oliveira & Associates is working with some of the more experienced Invokana lawyers around the country to handle these cases. There are no legal fees until you receive a settlement or award. If you or a loved one has suffered adverse effects as a result of taking Invokana, please contact us toll-free at 1-800-992-6878 for a free consultation and case evaluation.