Janssen Pharmaceuticals is facing lawsuits from people who developed kidney failure after taking canagliflozin, the active drug in Invokamet. Members of this growing litigation accuse Janssen of downplaying the risk of kidney side effects.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Invokamet induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been 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 toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
Overview
Invokamet contains metformin and canagliflozin. It belongs to a new class of diabetes drugs called SGLT2 inhibitors that remove extra sugar from the body by forcing the kidneys to excrete glucose in urine.
Invokamet and Kidney Failure
Invokamet relies on the kidneys to control blood-sugar levels, which is one reason why it is not recommended for people with moderate to severe kidney problems. Nephrotoxic side effects from Invokamet are also concerning because diabetes itself is a risk-factor for kidney failure.
Lawsuits Filed by Kidney Failure Victims
In December 2015, one of the first lawsuits (PDF) involving kidney failure from canagliflozin was filed in federal court in Tennessee. The plaintiff accuses Janssen Pharmaceuticals of failing to adequately warn patients about the risk.
FDA Issues Safety Warnings
One of the most common side effects of Invokamet is a urinary tract infection. In rare cases, these infections can spread to the kidneys and cause pyelonephritis. In December 2015, the FDA warned about reports of patients who were hospitalized or needed dialysis to treat kidney failure.
What is Kidney Failure?
Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys perform less than 15% of their normal function because they are so damaged. It is also called End-Stage Renal Disease (ERSD).
The kidneys are a pair of organs located near the lower back, one on each side of the spine. They filter the blood and remove toxins and extra water from the body in urine. The kidneys also make hormones that keep your bones strong and tell your bone marrow to make red blood cells.
Symptoms of Kidney Failure
Kidney impairment may not produce any symptoms in its early stages. However, as the disease progresses, the blood will become poisonous due to excess toxins and fluids. This can produce a variety of symptoms, such as:
- Reduced urine output
- Swelling in the legs, angles, and feet due to fluid retention
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling very tired or weak
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Chest pain or pressure
- Seizures
- Coma
Treatment for Kidney Failure
There is no cure for kidney failure, but most people undergo dialysis and/or a kidney transplant. Because there is a long waiting list for healthy donor organs, many people must undergo prolonged dialysis — removing and cleaning the blood in a machine before it is returned to the body. These treatments can prolong life, but they come with serious risks.
Do I have an Invokamet Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Invokamet induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been 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 toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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