The FDA has issued a public warning regarding the drugs Invokana and Invokamet and the risk of bone fractures associated with using them. This warning is known as a “Drug Safety Communication” and it’s intended to get the word out that there are potential risks involved with using these diabetes medications. The warning was released in early September and it stated that there would be stronger language added to the labels of these drugs. This language will inform the users of these medications of these potential risks.
What Are Invokana and Invokamet?
Invokana and Invokamet are diabetes medications that are manufactured by Johnson & Johnson. Invokana was one of the first drugs in a class of medications known as SGLT-2 inhibitors to be approved for use in the United States by the FDA. It made its way to the market in 2013. Invokamet, which varies slightly in formula from Invokana, was approved in August of 2014. Since then these medications have achieved a deep level of market penetration and have generated enormous amounts of revenue for Johnson & Johnson.
Invokamet, Invokana and other SGLT-2 inhibitors work by being used at least once daily. In addition, patients who have type 2 diabetes and who want to control their blood sugar levels use these medications in conjunction with doctor oversight, a program of exercise and a healthy diet. If these medications are used correctly, they should successfully keep patients’ blood sugar levels under control. Unfortunately, reports of allegations of Invokana side effects eventually began to surface.
Alleged Invokana Side Effects and Invokamet Side Effects
The alleged Invokana side effects and Invokamet side effects involved problems regarding the levels of acid in the blood of patients. The most commonly alleged side effect has been a condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a condition whereby someone produces excess amounts of blood acid. Diabetic ketoacidosis develops when a patient’s body does not produce enough insulin. If left untreated, this condition can be extremely dangerous.
In addition to diabetic ketoacidosis, recent allegations of Invokana and Invokamet side effects include a risk of a loss in bone mineral density. This development leaves a patient’s bones in a weaker and more vulnerable state. As a result, those weakened bones are more likely to fracture. Those who have used Invokana or Invokamet and who have developed this side effect have experienced this problem in as little as three months after beginning treatment. Given the perceived prevalence of this risk, the FDA has issued this public warning. A link to the warning can be found here.
Invokana Lawsuits and Your Legal Rights
There have already been Invokana lawsuits and Invokamet lawsuits filed in different parts of the United States by consumers who claim to have suffered from side effects. This new and emerging problem could lead to more claims being filed. If you or someone you love has used either of these medications and suffered as a result, you need to contact the Invokana lawyers at Parilman & Associates today to schedule a free initial consultation. You can either email the firm or call 800-800-DRUG.
