FDA testing Invokana medication for Increases Appetite in Diabetes Patients

A recent study conducted in Type II diabetes patients being treated with the drug Invokana revealed that the drug can lead to an increased appetite and increased consumption of calories. According to researchers, Invokana patients burn more calories due to the medicine blocking sugar from being reabsorbed into the blood stream and being flushed out in the urine. This can lead to weight loss in diabetic patients. However, the study revealed that patients taking Invokana also began to consume a greater number of calories per day, which in turn counteracted the weight loss effects. According to the rising number of Invokana lawsuits, the dangerous side effects of the drug outweigh potential benefits.

Why is Invokana Dangerous?

InvokanaInvokana is a relatively new medication prescribed for the treatment of type II diabetes belonging to a family of drugs called sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. Instead of increasing insulin in the body to process excess sugar, Invokana works to control blood sugar levels by preventing the kidneys from reabsorbing sugar released into the blood after food has been digested. The sugar is then flushed out of the body in the urine. While this new method of diabetes treatment is very effective in controlling blood sugars, it is also linked to a growing number of serious side effects.

Since its initial release onto the market numerous reports of kidney failure, severe dehydration, kidney stones and urinary tract infections have been reported. Another side effect associated with the drug includes diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious condition where the body produces high levels of acid. This condition often requires hospitalization and can lead to swelling of the brain, coma, and even death.

What is the FDA Doing?

fda committee meeting on how Invokana Increases Appetite in Diabetes PatientsThe Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Safety Announcement in connection with Invokana in May of 2015 warning that the drug can lead to the “serious condition of too much acid in the blood.” In December 2015, the FDA required the makers of Invokana to revise their labels and include warnings about dangerous side effects such as ketoacidosis and severe urinary tract infections.

Despite the FDA warnings and the number of lawsuits filed by patients claiming to have been seriously injured by the drug, Invokana continues to be one of the top selling drugs for the treatment of diabetes, making Johnson & Johnson $1.3 billion in 2015 alone.

Contact an Experienced Invokana Lawyer

personal injury lawyerIf you or a loved one has been injured as a result of taking the diabetes medication Invokana, you may be able to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost income and pain and suffering, among other losses. Our firm is working with experienced Invokana lawyers across the country, who are investigating these cases. They may be able to file an Invokana lawsuit for you, and they charge no fee unless you win an award or settlement. For a free (no obligation) case evaluation, call our toll free number at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form online.

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Paul d’Oliveira

Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.

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