Type 2 diabetes patients are still being injured by Invokana. Earlier this year, Daniel Stromme of Montana filed another of many Invokana lawsuits against Janssen Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of Invokana. Stromme claimed that the drug maker failed to disclose the increased risk of developing gangrene from the medication.

The lawsuit alleges that Stromme used Invokana as prescribed by his doctor. As a result, he developed severe and life-threatening injuries, specifically Fournier’s gangrene. This has forced Stromme to undergo extensive medical hospitalization and treatments.

Mass tort law firms across the country are investigating these and other claims as Invokana lawsuits are filed. Injured patients can contact a drug injury lawyer to learn more about their legal options.

Invokana was first introduced to the U.S. market in 2013. It belongs to a class of drugs that are called sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. These are designed to control blood sugar levels in adults. SGLT2 inhibitors work by blocking certain kidney functions, which removes excess sugar from the body through urination.

But as the Stromme lawsuit shows, this medicine has not come without a cost to many patients. Shortly after being approved for sale in the U.S., reports of numerous health problems surfaced. The Food and Drug Administration has also issued warnings about Invokana’s side effects. Besides gangrene, injured patients have reported:

  • Diabetic ketoacidosis
  • Kidney failure and impairment
  • Kidney stones
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Bone fractures
  • Abnormal weight loss

All of these side effects are potentially dangerous. But some of the deadlier complications from Invokana affect the kidneys. Kidneys are vital organs that filter and remove waste from the bloodstream. Damage to, or failure of, the kidneys can cause death and life-threatening conditions.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is another potentially fatal side effect. DKA is caused by severely low insulin production, which causes the body to start breaking down fat. This, in turn, causes a buildup of certain acids called ketones. DKA symptoms include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Fatigue
  • Trouble breathing

Invokana patients experiencing adverse health effects should speak to their healthcare providers. But they should not stop or change their medication regimen unless instructed to do so by their doctor. Injured Invokana patients should keep a record of any medical issues they experience and treatments they receive.

Stromme claims in his lawsuit that he was prescribed Invokana in March 2016. He says that he took the drug consistently and in accordance with his doctor’s instructions. In February 2017, he was admitted to the emergency room. Stromme was diagnosed with an abscess in his left groin and perineum.

Twelve cases of Fournier’s gangrene have been identified in SGLT2 patients from March 2013 to May 2018, the suit says. It is making the following claims as bases for recovery:

  • Failure to warn (strict liability)
  • Negligence
  • Gross negligence
  • Breach of express and implied warranties
  • Fraud and fraudulent concealment
  • Fraudulent and negligent misrepresentation
  • Unjust enrichment

Stromme is seeking damages, interest, costs, punitive damages, and treble damages. Janssen, for its part, has vowed to fight the lawsuit. The company claims that more than 19 million people have been prescribed Invokana and that the medication is safe.

Janssen and other pharmaceutical companies are required to sell drugs that are safe for their intended users. But, as so often happens, corporate greed can cause drug makers to disregard these obligations. When companies fail to act responsibly, people get hurt and even killed. If Janssen is held accountable for these injuries, they may be forced to pay damages such as:

  • Medical bills to treat injuries resulting from Invokana
  • Costs for future medical treatment
  • Expenses related to medical treatment, including prescription medications
  • Lost wages
  • Reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Wrongful death

CONTACT A DRUG INJURY ATTORNEY NEAR YOU ABOUT THE ONGOING INVOKANA LAWSUITS

Drug and personal injury lawyers work to hold pharmaceutical companies responsible for injuries caused by their medicines. As Invokana lawsuits such as Stromme’s continue to be filed across the country, patients should look into their legal rights. If you’ve been hurt by Invokana, contact an experienced attorney in your area.