Invokana is still causing injury to many of its Type 2 diabetes patients. Earlier this year, another of many Invokana lawsuits was filed against Janssen Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of Invokana. Daniel Stromme of Montana alleged that Janssen failed to disclose the increased risk of developing gangrene from the medication.
The lawsuit, filed in January, states that Stromme used the Invokana medication as prescribed by his doctor. As a result, he developed severe and life-threatening injuries, specifically from Fournier’s gangrene. He has also had to undergo extensive medical treatment and hospitalization to address his injuries.
Invokana lawsuits such as these continue to be filed across the country. The dangerous drug attorneys at Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. are actively looking into these claims and invites injured patients to contact their office.
Invokana is known as a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. SGLT2 inhibitors are designed to control blood sugar levels in adults. The medicine works by inhibiting certain kidney functions in order to remove excess sugar from the body by urination.
But this medicine has not come without an extreme cost to many patients, as the Stromme lawsuit shows. First introduced to the market in 2013, reports of numerous health problems soon surfaced. The Food and Drug Administration has also issued warnings about Invokana side effects. Besides gangrene, injured patients have reported:
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Urinary tract infections
- Kidney failure and impairment
- Kidney stones
- Bone fractures
- Abnormal weight loss
- Infections
All of these side effects are potentially dangerous, but some of the deadlier complications affect the kidneys. Kidneys filter and remove waste from the bloodstream, among other functions. Damage to, or failure of, the kidneys can result in life-threatening conditions. For some patients suffering from kidney problems, the consequences can even include death.
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) can also be fatal. DKA is the result of dangerously low insulin production which causes the body to break down fat. This, in turn, produces a buildup of acids called ketones. DKA symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Difficulty breathing
Stromme claims that he was prescribed Invokana in March 2016. According to the lawsuit, he took the drug consistently and in accordance with his doctor’s instructions. In February 2017, he was admitted to the emergency room complaining of an abscess in his left groin and perineum. 12 cases of Fournier’s gangrene have been identified in SGLT2 patients from March 2013 to May 2018, the suit alleges.
The suit alleges the following claims:
- Failure to warn (strict liability)
- Negligence
- Gross negligence
- Breach of express and implied warranties
- Fraud and fraudulent concealment
- Fraudulent and negligent misrepresentation
- Unjust enrichment
Stromme is seeking a trial by jury along with damages, interest, costs, punitive damages, and treble damages. Janssen, meanwhile, has vowed to fight this and other lawsuits. The company claims that over 19 million people have been prescribed Invokana and that the drug is safe.
Pharmaceutical companies such as Janssen are obligated to sell drugs that are safe for their intended users. Of course, corporate greed often causes companies to push these obligations aside. When drug makers fail to act responsibly, people get hurt and even killed.
Invokana patients experiencing adverse health effects should immediately speak to their healthcare providers. But they should not stop or change their medication regimen unless instructed to do so by their doctor. If you’ve been injured, keep a record of any medical issues you experience and treatments you receive. Although Janssen has promised to defend against these types of lawsuits, they may be forced to pay damages including:
- Medical bills and related expenses
- Costs for future medical treatments
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death
Let Our Experienced Drug Injury Attorneys Work For You
Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. fights to make sure drug companies are held liable for their injuries. Invokana lawsuits such as Stromme’s are being filed across the country. If you’ve been hurt by Invokana, let our legal team go to work for you. Call us today.
