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Diabetic Ketoacidosis Lawsuit

Diabetic Ketoacidosis Lawsuit

Patients with type-2 diabetes who use new medications in the SGLT2 inhibitor class, such as Invokana, may be at risk of diabetic ketoacidosis. This life-threatening side effect that occurs when toxic acids build up in the blood, and it can cause coma or death without treatment.

What You Can Do & How a Lawsuit Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know had ketoacidosis after taking a diabetes medication, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

UPDATE: Invokana Doubles Ketoacidosis Risk, Study Finds

In June 2017, a study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that Invokana doubles the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKS) compared to diabetes medications in the DPP-4 inhibitor class. The estimated risk of DKA is 5 to 8 patients per 1,000 who start taking Invokana or other diabetes drugs in the SGLT2 inhibitor class. Click here to read more.

Overview

Diabetic ketoacidosis, also known as DKA, occurs when toxic acidic waste products known as ketones build up to dangerous levels in the blood and urine. The life-threatening medical emergency occurs when the body starts burning fat as a fuel source instead of using glucose (sugar) in the bloodstream because it does not have enough insulin. When fat cells break down, they release ketones.

Serious Complications of Ketoacidosis

  • Cerebral edema (swelling and fluid buildup in the brain)
  • Heart attack
  • Blood clots
  • Extremely low blood pressure
  • Intestinal tissue damage due to lack of blood-flow
  • Kidney failure
  • Coma
  • Death (about 1-5% of cases are deadly)

How Is Diabetic Ketoacidosis Treated?

Hospitalization is usually necessary to treat people with diabetic ketoacidosis. Most patients will receive intravenous (IV) insulin to help bring ketone levels back to normal. They may also receive fluids to treat dehydration. Electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and chloride can also help bring blood chemistry back to normal, according to the Mayo Clinic.

FDA Safety Warnings

In December 2015, the FDA has updated the label on diabetes drugs in the SGLT2 inhibitor class to warn about ketoacidosis after receiving 73 reports of the side effect between March 2013 and May 2015.

Diabetic ketoacidosis is normally associated with type-1 diabetes, but has also been reported in patients with type-2 diabetes taking medications in the SGLT2 inhibitor class, according to a Safety Communication issued by the FDA in May 2015.

SGLT2 Inhibitor Diabetes Drugs Linked to Ketoacodisos

SGLT2 inhibitors are diabetes drugs that prevent high blood-sugar by helping the kidneys excrete excess sugar in urine. The first member of this new class of drugs, Invokana, hit the market in March 2013. By June 2014, the FDA had received 20 reports of diabetic ketoacidosis. Since then, the FDA has continued to approve new drugs in this class and over 100 cases of diabetic ketoacidosis have been reported.

SGLT2 inhibitors linked to ketoacidosis:

Symptoms & Signs of Diabetic Ketoacidosis

  • Excessive thirst
  • Frequent urination lasting a day or more
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Unusual sleepiness or fatigue
  • Fruity-smelling breath
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Problems breathing
  • Abdominal or stomach pain
  • Confusion
  • Dry skin, mouth, and mucous membranes
  • Flushed face
  • Headache
  • And more

Do I have a Diabetic Ketoacidosis Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know had ketoacidosis after taking a diabetes medication, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

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