Invokana is the brand name for the drug canagliflozin, an oral medication used to treat type 2 (adult onset) diabetes. Before the introduction of Invokana in 2013, type 2 diabetes was typically treated with metformin, sold under the brand names Glucophage, Glumetza, Glucophage XR and Riomet. Metformin reduces blood sugar levels by reducing the liver’s production of glucose. Invokana was  designed to reduce blood sugar levels by reducing the kidneys’ ability to absorb glucose, allowing patients to pass excess blood sugar in their urine.

Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, manufactures and markets Invokana. The company viewed the drug as a game-changer for diabetics. Prominent medical professionals expressed concerns about possible side effects before Invokana received FDA approval. However, the FDA approved the drug with the understanding that Janssen would continue conducting studies and tracking side effects.1

Invokana has since been linked to a number of disturbing side effects. The list is long, and may include: 

• Increased risk of lower limb amputation
• Fungal urinary tract infections
• Stroke
• Cardiac arrest
• Kidney damage
• Gangrene 
• Osteoporosis 
• Diabetic ketoacidosis (High levels of acidity in blood) 2

Over 1000 lawsuits have been filed against Johnson & Johnson regarding side effects of Invokana.3 If you have been prescribed Invokana and suffered any of the drug’s side effects, you may be eligible to file a legal claim.

Settlement funds may be available to you.

Call for a free consultation to qualify:(615) 560-6552

Sources:

1McElrath, KJ. Invokana Maker Turned Health Care Consumers into Guinea Pigs. Drugssafetynews.com. April 1, 2017.

2Clark, Cheryl. Doctors debate danger of popular diabetes drug after FDA amputation warning. inews.org. August 31, 2017.

3McElrath, KJ. Despite Onslaught of Lawsuits, Janssen Cuts Deal with European Distributor for Invokana. Drugssafetynews.com. September 20, 2017.