The United States often has a complex process and timeline involved in approving a new drug to treat specific diseases. While the hurdles drug companies must jump are often immense, some drug companies are able to squeeze by to production with minimal testing and unfavorable results. These drug companies put our family members at risk when they release an innovative new medicine to treat a disease or condition which has affected a large portions of the population for decades. If you or a loved one have been injured through the use of one such drug, Invokana, you may be entitled to bring a claim against the drug manufacturer for any resulting damages.

Janssen Pharmaceuticals manufactured Invokana as a drug used to combat Type 2 diabetes; and it was released by the parent company, Johnson & Johnson. The drug was intended to cause blood sugar to leave the body through urine and was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2013. Sales skyrocketed after its release and was well received by commercial insurance companies.

However, the FDA has recently issued a warning against the drug, noting that Invokana can cause a condition stemming from the body’s overproduction of ketones – ketoacidosis. Early signs of the resulting disease often require immediate medical attention and often hospitalization. Other side effects of Invokana include severe urinary tract infection, kidney failure, and heart attack, as well as an increase in the risk of leg or foot amputation. A recent study has indicated that the risk of amputation is 2-3 times higher for patients taking Invokana than patients not taking the drug.

A March 2016 study also indicated side effects of ketoacidosis for patients suffering from Type 1 diabetes, although the drug is only approved to treat Type 2 diabetes.

Drug companies are constantly attempting to push drugs through the FDA without the requisite testing and despite warnings that the drugs could lead to dangerous conditions. These drug companies should be held liable for their actions in failing to protect the public from dangerous side effects.

As the victim of a dangerous drug, you are entitled to bring a claim for damages against the drug manufacturer, including:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Future earnings
• Pain and suffering

The repercussions of this drug can have long lasting injuries to yourself and your family, and the drug manufacturer should therefore be held responsible for their actions in producing the drug for mass consumption.

The repercussions of Invokana can be devastating for patients who are already trying to manage the detrimental side effects of Type 2 diabetes. If you or a loved one have been impacted by the side effects of Invokana, do not hesitate to contact the Malley Law Firm. Tony Malley has years of experience in handling dangerous drug cases and will work tirelessly to ensure you and your family receive the compensation you deserve after a terrifying reaction from Invokana. Contact our Beaumont or Houston offices today for your initial free consultation.