Janssen Pharmaceuticals is seeking to move the growing number of lawsuits over its type 2 diabetes drug Invokana from state to federal court. According to a news report in the Legal Intelligencer, Jannsen recently filed notices in more than 100 cases that are pending in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, indicating that it removed the cases to federal court. Although the copies of the recent notices of removal were filed in state court, the notices were initially filed in federal court in Pennsylvania in early November. Janssen has pointed to the Class Action Fairness Act as the basis for transferring these Invokana lawsuits to federal court.
What Are The Lawsuits Claiming?
Attorneys for plaintiffs have filed more than 100 lawsuits in Philadelphia County and have asked that the claims be consolidated and tried together in a mass tort proceeding in state court. All these lawsuits claim that the diabetes drug Invokana causes kidney failure and a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis, which is caused by the buildup of acids in the blood. The lawsuits accuse defendants Janssen Pharmaceuticals and Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharmaceuticals of failing to warn consumers and improperly marketing the drug. They also allege that the drug was poorly designed because it prevents the body from metabolizing excess glucose by directing it to be excreted through the kidneys.
What Are The Dangers of Ketoacidosis?
Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious complication of diabetes that occurs when your body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones. The condition develops when your body cannot produce enough insulin. The symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis develop pretty quickly sometimes within 24 hours. Some of the symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness, shortness of breath, fruity breath and confusion. Diabetic ketoacidosis can also be detected through home blood and urine testing kids. High ketone levels and high blood sugar levels in the urine are all symptomatic of diabetic ketoacidosis.
In May, 2015, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned consumers that type 2 diabetes medications that come under the category of SGLT2 inhibitors, including Invokana, may lead to ketoacidosis. The FDA said patients who take such medications should pay close attention for signs of ketoacidosis and seek medical attention immediately if they experience any symptoms. If you or a loved one is taking Invokana, it is important that you immediately discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Contact An Invokana Lawyer
If you have suffered from serious side effects from Invokana, you should talk to an experienced lawyer about your legal options. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income and pain and suffering, among other losses. We are working with some of the more experienced Invokana lawyers around the country that handle these cases. There is no legal fee unless you receive a settlement or award. Feel free to call us toll-free anytime or submit a contact form online for a free (no obligation) case evaluation.
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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