Invokana Linked to an Increased Amputation Risk in Diabetes Patients
Walton Telken, LLC is currently investigating claims involving Invokana. If you or someone that you know has undergone an amputation while using Invokana, Invokamet XR, or Invokamet, please call our toll-free office number at 844-307-7349 to set up a free case evaluation with an attorney.
An increased risk of foot and leg amputations has recently been associated with Invokana by the FDA. Canagliflozin is a medication that is used to treat patients with type 2 diabetes and it goes by the names Invokana, Invokamet, and Invokamet XR.
Canagliflozin works by causing a patient’s kidneys to remove sugar from their body through the urine, and it lowers the patient’s blood sugar levels through this process. Some common side effects of using Canagliflozin include kidney problems, yeast infections, ketoacidosis, bone breaks, increased levels of potassium in the blood, low blood sugar when used in combination with other types of prescription diabetes medication, serious UTIs, and high levels of cholesterol.
Invokana is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and works primarily by preventing the re-absorption of glucose into the bloodstream. In May 2017, the FDA notified the makers of Invokana that they would need to include a black box warning due to the increased risk of foot and leg amputations caused by the drug.
After two large clinic studies were performed, it was determined that patients who take Invokana, Invokamet XR, or Invokamet were twice as likely to require foot or leg amputations as those who were given a placebo. Some of the patients in the studies required multiple amputations, including both of their limbs. Most of the amputations were performed on the middle of the foot, and the toe.
Invokana Complications & Symptoms
In light of this information, the FDA required their most prominent black box warning to be placed on all variations of Invokana (Canagliflozin), and has advised patients currently taking the drug to notify their doctors immediately should they begin to experience any adverse symptoms while taking it. These symptoms may include;
- New tenderness or pain
- Ulcers
- Sores
- Infections in the feet or legs
Patients are advised not to stop taking Canagliflozin until they first consult with their healthcare provider. This could result in blood sugar levels getting out of control and becoming very harmful to the patient. If blood sugars levels are allowed to remain out of control for too long, serious health consequences can ensue including kidney and nerve damage, heart disease, and blindness.
In the event a patient receives a fresh prescription of Canagliflozin, they are advised to check the patient medication guide in case information regarding the drug has changed. Side effects from Canagliflozin and other medicines should be reported by using the FDA MedWatch program.
Doctors have also been advised to consider factors which could predispose their patients to a higher risk for amputations before prescribing Invokana such as diabetic foot ulcers, a prior history of amputation, neuropathy, and peripheral vascular disease.
If you or someone that you know has undergone an amputation while using Invokana, Invokamet XR, or Invokamet, please call our toll-free office number at 844-307-7349 to set up a free case evaluation with an attorney.
