Alleged Side Effects of Popular Diabetes Drugs

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious medical condition in which the pH balance in the blood becomes too acidic, resulting in complications like dehydration, coma and possibly even death in some cases. In addition to DKA, SGLT2 inhibitors like Invokana have also been linked to a potential increased risk for kidney damage, kidney failure, dehydration, and other injuries possibly linked to the action of the drugs on the kidneys. The Type 2 diabetes medications function by preventing the kidneys from reabsorbing glucose, causing some of the glucose to be removed through the urine, which may expose the kidneys to serious harm.

FDA Warning for Users of SGLT2 Inhibitors

According to a drug safety communication issued by the FDA on May 15, 2015, popular Type 2 diabetes drugs like “canagliflozin [Invokana], dapagliflozin [Farxiga], and empagliflozin [Jardiance] may lead to ketoacidosis, a serious condition where the body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones that may require hospitalization.” The FDA issued this warning to consumers and the medical community after it identified at least 20 reports of patients with Type 2 diabetes taking SGLT2 inhibitors being hospitalized for diabetic ketoacidosis, ketoacidosis or acidosis side effects, from March 2013 to June 6, 2014.

Health Canada SGLT2 Side Effect Reports

The FDA indicated in its drug safety communication that the ketoacidosis reports were abnormal, as the condition typically develops in patients with Type 1 diabetes, low insulin levels and high blood sugar. In these particular adverse event reports, the patients had Type 2 diabetes and only slightly elevated blood sugar levels, but still developed diabetic ketoacidosis side effects. In its own SGLT2 inhibitor warning, Health Canada stated that while DKA is usually diagnosed in people with Type 1 diabetes, the agency had received “international reports of ketoacidosis with the use of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes.” The agency also warned that, because DKA complications in Type 2 diabetes patients is “unexpected,” it may not be quickly identified or treated by doctors.

An Experienced Drug Injury Lawyer Can Help

After reviewing its own adverse event database, Health Canada identified in its warning one case of diabetic ketoacidosis resulting in hospitalization, which involved a 56-year-old patient taking an SGLT2 inhibitor, and stated that the agency will “determine whether changes are needed in the prescribing information for this class of drugs.” If you took an SGLT2 inhibitor like Invokana in the past, and you have since suffered diabetic ketoacidosis or another serious side effect, contact a reputable drug injury attorney today to discuss your legal options. You may have grounds to file a product liability lawsuit against the drug manufacturing company, in order to pursue financial compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.