Lawsuits against Invokana manufacturer Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a subdivision of Johnson & Johnson, have been filed by plaintiffs who suffered from heart attacks, kidney failure, neuropathy that led to an amputation, and ketoacidosis. If you’ve been diagnosed with Diabetes and you’ve been prescribed Invokana, it’s important that you understand how to spot the signs of ketoacidosis.
What Is Ketoacidosis?
Ketoacidosis, often referred to as diabetic ketoacidosis, is life threatening. It is a condition that occurs in diabetics when cells inside of the body do not get the sugar that they need. It happens because there isn’t enough insulin in your system. Instead of the sugar moving into the cells, it stays in your blood stream. Although the kidneys filter out some of the sugar, it creates a chemical imbalance within the body. The body begins to break down muscle and fat for energy. This releases ketones into blood stream. Ketones are fatty acids. So, although you have sugar in your blood stream, your body quickly becomes acidic because your cells aren’t getting the sugar that they need to properly function. In people with Type 2 Diabetes, this condition is most likely to happen if your blood sugar is high.
Symptoms Of Ketoacidosis
Ketoacidosis is a medical emergency and can result in coma or death. If you have a history of ketoacidosis or if you have any of the symptoms below, stop what you’re doing and get immediate medical assistance. Ketoacidosis can develop fast. In fact, ketoacidosis is something the first sign that a person has that they have Diabetes. Symptoms of ketoacidosis include:
- High blood sugar levels
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent need to urinate
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Feeling short of breath
- Breath that smells sweet or like alcohol
- Onset of confusion
Another symptom of ketoacidosis may only be noticed by you when a doctor brings it to your attention. You may have high ketones in your urine.
Invokana And Ketoacidosis
Invokana was approved by the FDA in March 2013. Reports were made to the FDA about people experiencing various negative side effects including ketoacidosis. The FDA released a Safety Communication on their website regarding the side effects. In March 2016, an issue of Diabetes Care released a study showing that there was an increased risk for ketoacidosis in patients who used Invokana. That wasn’t the only study. In the September 2015 issue of Diabetes Care, Dr. Robert R. Henry confirmed finding similar results.
Do You Have Questions About the Invokana Lawsuit?
If you have questions about the Invokana lawsuit, contact the Goldwater Law Firm. Invokana lawsuits include other danger side effects such as kidney failure, neuropathy leading to amputation, and heart attack. If you took Invokana and developed ketoacidosis or other serious side effects, you may be entitled to receive compensation. Goldwater Law Firm can help you get the compensation you deserve. We provide free case evaluations for people who were injured by taking Invokana. Don’t wait. Invokana lawsuits are now being filed and there’s only a limited amount of time for you to find out if you’re eligible to receive compensation. Call Goldwater Law Firm today.