Invokana May Result In Ketoacidosis | High Acid in the Blood
In March 2013, the FDA approved Invokana (canagliflozin) tablets for adults with Type 2 Diabetes to improve glycemic control.
A New Class of Drugs
When Invokana was approved, it was the first in a class known as “sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2).” Invokana works by blocking the reabsorption of glucose by the kidney, increasing glucose excretion, and lowering blood glucose levels in diabetics who have elevated blood glucose levels
The Dangers
In March 2015, two years after approval, the FDA released a safety announcement that the Invokana and other SGLT2 inhibitors for diabetes may result in a serious condition of too much acid in the blood. This condition is known as ketoacidosis and could require hospitalization. Symptoms of ketoacidosis are:
- Difficulty breathing
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Confusion
- Unusual fatigue or sleepiness
A search of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database identified 20 cases of acidosis reported as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), ketoacidosis, or ketosis in patients treated with SGLT2 inhibitors from March 2013 to June 6, 2014 . All patients required emergency room visits or hospitalization to treat the ketoacidosis. Since June 2014, the FDA has continued to receive additional FAERS reports for DKA and ketoacidosis in patients treated with SGLT2 inhibitors.
SGLT2 Inhibitors Brands:
- Invokana (canagliflozin)
- Invokamet (canagliflozin and metformin)
- Farxiga (dapagliflozin)
- Xigduo XR (dapagliflozin and metformin extended-release)
- Jardiance (empagliflozin)
- Glyxambi (empagliflozin and linagliptin)
The law firm of Zoll & Kranz, LLC is continuing to investigate the link between these drugs and ketoacidosis. Please contact our product liability attorneys if you have any questions on this investigation or if you think you have been injured. You may be able to file a lawsuit. The lawyers can be reached toll-free at(888) 841-9623
or our online live chat representative is always available.