Parker Waichman LLP

Invokana Diabetes Drug Adds Risk of Amputation Warning

Diabetes Drug Invokana Linked to Heightened Risk of Amputation.  The diabetes drug canagliflozin, which is sold under several brand names, including Invokana, Invokamet, and Invokamet XR is now sold with the FDA’s most serious form of warning label, the Black Box Warning. The decision to require the drug’s manufacturers, such as Johnson & Johnson, to […]

Diabetes Drug Invokana Linked to Heightened Risk of Amputation. 

The diabetes drug canagliflozin, which is sold under several brand names, including Invokana, Invokamet, and Invokamet XR is now sold with the FDA’s most serious form of warning label, the Black Box Warning. The decision to require the drug’s manufacturers, such as Johnson & Johnson, to include this warning in the drug’s packaging follows several studies that link canagliflozin to an increased risk of amputation, mainly of the toes, feet and lower legs.

What is Invokana or canagliflozin used for?

Invokana is used to treat individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Invokana and other brands of canagliflozin are used to control a patient’s high blood sugar. Invokana serves to increase the amount of sugar a patient’s kidneys remove from their blood. Medications that control high blood sugar can help patients to avoid blindness, problems with nerves, the loss of limbs, sexual function problems, and damage to the kidneys.

Studies show risks of amputation

Two large clinical tests of Invokana were conducted, and both yielded results that indicated that patients using this drug suffered twice as many amputations as those patients who were given a placebo. Some patients required more than one amputation. The FDA reported that the vast majority of amputations involved the removal of a patient’s toes, middle of the foot, or the lower leg.  In one study, titled Canagliflozin Cardiovascular Assessment Study, or “CANVAS,” 5.9 patients out of every 1000 patients taking canagliflozin required amputations, while only 2.8 patients out of every 1000who were taking a placebounderwent surgery for an amputation. Another study, titled A Study of the Effects of Canagliflozin on Renal Endpoints in Adult Participants with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, or “CANVAS-R,” indicated that out of every 1000 patients taking canagliflozin, an average of 7.5 individuals required amputations compared with 4.2 out of every 1000 patients who were administered the placebo.

Why does Invokana lead to amputations?

 

It is possible that the heightened risk of amputation stems from the fact that Invokana works through a patient’s kidneys, which can lead to the possibility of a patient becoming dehydrated. The dehydration can lead to the blood vessels becoming constricted in the patient’s limbs, and reducing the flow of blood. As a result of decreased blood movement to extremities, foot ulcers and infections can occur, resulting in a necessary amputation.

Are there other risks to Invokana?

In addition to the risk of amputation, there are indications that Invokana can cause ketoacidosis, which is a condition marked by the buildup of acid in a person’s blood. Symptoms of ketoacidosis include vomiting that lasts more than two hours, queasiness, stomach ache, fruity smelling breath, feeling tired or confused, and difficulty breathing.

Warnings for individuals on Invokana

If a patient is taking Invokana or another form of canagliflozin, then he or she should familiarize themselves with the risks involved in taking these medications. Additionally, if new pain or tenderness, ulcers, sores, or infections in the legs or feet are experienced, it is important to contact a medical care provider immediately.

Is Invokana still prescribed?

Yes, Invokana is still prescribed to patients. The warnings issued mean that patients should be made aware of the risks involved in taking the drug, that doctors consider any already existing risks a patient might have for amputation and indicate the patient should understand what to look for as warning signs that the drug could be negatively impacting them. It is imperative that you review your medications with your doctor and to consult your physician before you stop taking any prescriptions.

Call Us for Your Invokana Injury Case Review

If you have suffered an injury or reaction from using Invokana or any form of canagliflozin, contact an attorney to discuss your possible legal remedies. Call Parker Waichman LLP today at 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529) for a free consultation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys.

 

 

 

Our Invokana injury attorneys are here to help you when you need it the most.

Invokana Diabetes Drug Adds Risk of Amputation Warning–
What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
My experience with Parker Waichman LLP team is the greatest experience, I was well informed in every step of my case. MY sincere thank for the most professional representation team. Special thank you to Nicole Copertino for your outstanding Job.
Amal Ulla
5 days ago
5 Star Reviews 150
i was lucky to have had Benita Rollis help me with my claim. She answered all my questions and helped me throughout this long process. She was always helpful and got back to me in a timely manner.
Tommy
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism , Quality , Responsiveness Benita, I am so grateful for your passion, professionalism and dedication. I appreciate the amazing legal work you did on my behalf. Thank you so much!
Amelia Hendricks
3 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038