Invokana FAQs: The Answers That Type 2 Diabetes Patients Need

Q. What Is Invokana?

Invokana is a new drug manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceutical, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson. Its active ingredient is a chemical called canagliflozin.

Approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, in combination with diet and exercise, Invokana belongs to a class of drugs known as “SGLT2 inhibitors.” 

These chemicals block one of the kidney’s primary functions: to filter blood glucose from other waste materials and return the sugars to a patient’s blood stream. Rather than retaining glucose, a kidney affected by Invokana excretes excess sugars through urine.

Invokana is not yet available in a generic version.

Q. Why Are Patients Filing Lawsuits?

Because the US Food & Drug Administration has announced that Invokana may cause “ketoacidosis, a serious condition where the body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones that may require hospitalization.” In fact, the FDA has already moved to strengthen Invokana’s warning label, adding cautionary statements on elevated blood acids as well as severe urinary tract infections which may lead to kidney failure.

Ketoacidosis is a life-threatening medical emergency. As a result, patients who suffered serious side effects after being prescribed Invokana have begun to consider legal action.

In filing personal injury lawsuits, injured patients seek compensation for medical expenses, lost work and pain and suffering, among other damages.

Q. What About Farxiga & Jardiance?

Like Invokana, Farxiga and Jardiance are both SGLT2 inhibitors. All SGLT2 inhibitors have been linked to a risk for ketoacidosis, and Banville Law is currently investigating potential claims in relation to all of these drugs.

Along with an older-generation type 2 diabetes drug, metformin, canagliflozin is also an active ingredient in Janssen Pharmaceutical’s Invokamet. Glyxambi, Jardiance, Farxiga and Xigduo XR are other examples of SGLT2 inhibitors.

If you took any of these drugs and suffered severe complications, contact Banville Law’s attorneys for a free consultation today.

Q. Who Is Eligible To File?

Any type 2 diabetes patient who was prescribed Invokana or another SGLT2 inhibitor and suffered:

• ketoacidosis
• diabetic ketoacidosis
• ketosis
• kidney failure

may be eligible to file a lawsuit. We have also spoken to several people who lost loved ones to complications potentially caused by Invokana. For survivors, a wrongful death lawsuit may be possible.

Q. What Is The Statute Of Limitations For An Invokana Claim?

Statutes of limitation, time limits in which injured patients must file a claim, vary by state. The applicable time period generally begins on the date of injury or, in some cases, the date when you learned of an injury.

As with most legal questions, the answer to this one will depend on specific facts pertaining only to your unique situation. In some cases, the statute of limitations may be “tolled,” or paused. Contact an experienced attorney to learn more about your own legal options.

Q. Is This A Class Action?

No.

While the legal community expects many Invokana lawsuits to be filed in the coming months, it’s unlikely that the litigation will become a class action.

Banville Law is investigating individual personal injury lawsuits. With that being said, it’s more likely that many of these individual claims will eventually be “consolidated” into a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL).

Q. How Much Does Hiring An Attorney Cost?

At Banville Law, we believe that every patient deserves experienced legal counsel, no matter their personal circumstances. That’s why our attorneys always work on a contingency-fee basis: we do not take a fee until securing a favorable court award or settlement in your claim.

Learning more about your legal options is free, too. Speak to one of our lawyers in a no-cost, no-obligation consultation today and learn more about your situation and case eligibility.

Continue Reading: Invokana Settlements: Have Any Cases Ended?