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Invokana Kidney Failure Lawsuit

Invokana Kidney Failure Lawsuit

The diabetes drug Invokana poses serious kidney risks for certain patients. In its first year on the market, Invokana was linked to over 50 reports of renal impairment and kidney failure.

What You Can Do & How We Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Invokana induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with kidney failure, 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.

Overview

Invokana helps people with type-2 diabetes control blood-sugar levels. It works by inhibiting a protein called sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2). This stops the kidneys from reabsorbing glucose (sugar), and causes the kidneys to excrete more glucose in urine.

What is the problem?

Because Invokana relies so heavily on the kidneys, it poses serious risks to patients who have pre-existing kidney problems. Furthermore, diabetes itself can destroy the kidneys over time. People with late-stage diabetes who take a nephrotoxic medication could increase their risk of kidney failure.

Kidney Failure Lawsuits

In March 2016, a woman from Tennessee filed a lawsuit (PDF) claiming that Invokana causes kidney failure and Janssen Pharmaceuticals failed to warn her about the risk. The lawsuit was filed in the Superior Court of Delaware by a woman wh developed severe and life-threatening complications of kidney failure after taking Invokana. A growing number of other kidney failure lawsuits make similar claims against Janssen:

  • February 29, 2016: Lawsuit (PDF) was filed in federal court in California by a woman who was hospitalized with kidney failure in March 2015.
  • February 19, 2016: Lawsuit (PDF) filed in Kentucky by a woman who was hospitalized with kidney failure in February 2015.
  • December 14, 2015: Lawsuit (PDF) filed in Tennessee by a man who started taking Invokana in November 2013 and developed kidney failure (Case No. 2:15-cv-02799).

FDA Safety Warning

December 4, 2015 — The FDA has issued a Safety Communication to announce new warnings for Invokana. Between March 2013 and October 2014, the FDA received 19 reports of patients on SGLT2 inhibitors who developed life-threatening complication of urinary tract infections, such as blood infections (urosepsis) and kidney infections (pyelonephritis). All 19 patients were hospitalized, and some needed dialysis to treat kidney failure.

Invokana and Kidney Injury

In June 2016, the FDA strengthened warnings about acute kidney injury from Invokana. The agency received 101 confirmed cases of acute kidney injury from March 2013, when Invokana was approved, until October 2015.

Kidney Infections

Pyelonephritis is an infection that occurs when a bacteria or virus enters the kidneys. In rare cases, it can permanently scar the kidneys, which can lead to chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure, and kidney failure. Kidney infections can also spread to the bloodstream (sepsis) and cause death.

Renal Impairment and Kidney Failure Reports

In the May 2015 QuarterWatch (PDF) report, the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) warned that Invokana was linked to over 457 serious adverse events in its first 12 months on the market, including 54 reports of renal impairment or kidney failure.

Invokana Kidney Warnings from the Manufacturer

The manufacturer, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, warns in the Prescribing information (PDF):

  • Do not take Invokana if you have severe kidney problems or are on dialysis.
  • Before you take Invokana, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.
  • Invokana may cause serious side effects, including kidney problems.

What is Kidney Failure?

The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs in the abdomen that are responsible for filtering blood, removing wastes and toxins, and balancing fluid levels. Kidney failure occurs when the delicate filtration system in the kidneys is damaged and stops working.

Warning Signs & Symptoms of Kidney Damage

  • Loss of appetite
  • General ill feeling and fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Itching and dry skin
  • Nausea
  • Unintended weight-loss

Treatment for Kidney Failure

Unfortunately, kidney failure cannot be reversed. The only cure is an organ transplant from a donor, but it can take years for a transplant to become available. In the meantime, most patients will have to undergo dialysis, which involves mechanically removing the blood and running it through a machine that eliminates toxins and excess fluids.

Do I have an Invokana Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Invokana induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with kidney failure, 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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