Houston Invokana Claims Lawyer

For patients throughout the country, type 2 diabetes is a fact of life. Patients often must work hard to maintain their health when dealing with this condition. For many patients, this includes taking regular medication in an effort to prevent their bodies from suffering harmful effects resulting from their diabetes. One such medication that has been prescribed is known as Invokana. Unfortunately, many patients who have taken this drug have gone on to suffer significantly dangerous side effects as a result. When these harmful effects occur an attorney should be consulted in order to discuss filing an injury claim.

What Is Invokana?

Invokana, also known as Invokamet, is what is known as a sodium glucose cotransporter-2, or SGLT2 inhibitor. The drug is designed to be used in combination with improved diet and increased exercise in order to improve a diabetic patient’s glycemic control and lower blood sugar. By doing so, the patient can then reduce the risk of developing other serious problems associated with diabetes, including blindness, nerve damage, kidney failure, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and other problems. Invokana works by causing the kidneys to remove a sugar in the blood through the urine, thereby lowering the person’s blood sugar levels. However, there are several potential adverse side effects, problems, and risks that have been linked to the use of Invokana.

Common Risks Associated With Invokana Use

What are some of the known risks associated with the use of this dangerous drug? The following is an overview of some of the more serious, potentially harmful problems that can result from taking Invokana:

• Kidney failure. This risk is potentially very dangerous for patients because waste products, fluids, and electrolytes build up in the body when they are not removed by properly functioning kidneys. As a result, patients may experience weakness, shortness of breath, lethargy, confusion, and even sudden death.
• Heart attack. When there is a blockage in the arteries, blood may be prevented from reaching portions of the heart. This deprives the heart of important nutrients and oxygen. As a result, irreversible death of the cells within the heart can occur.
• Ketoacidosis. When high levels of ketones are produced in the body, a patient suffers from a medical condition known as ketoacidosis. This can lead to a patient falling into a diabetic coma. In severe cases, the patient may require extended hospitalization—it can also be fatal. Ketoacidosis occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin. Insulin is vital to our bodies because it helps sugar enter the cells, providing energy to the muscles and other tissues. When insulin is lacking, the body breaks down fat as an alternative, which can then lead to a buildup of toxic acids in the blood stream.

Clearly, the risks associated with taking Invokana are high and potentially severe. As a result, patients deserved to be fully informed and warned about the dangers they faced when they took this drug. Unfortunately, the makers and manufacturers of this dangerous medication may not have adequately warned consumers of the known risks.

How to Know If You Are Suffering Harm as a Result of Invokana Use

Even if you have not yet been diagnosed with a specific condition resulting from the use of Invokana, it is important to be on the lookout for any sign that you may be in danger. Potential symptoms that could indicate a serious problem after taking Invokana include the following:

• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Faintness
• Increased heart rate
• Increased pulmonary rate
• Difficulty breathing
• Hyperventilation
• Weakness
• Changes in urination
• Anorexia
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Confusion
• Lethargy
• Unusual fatigue

Victims who have taken Invokana and experienced any of these symptoms are encouraged to seek immediate medical treatment. Once a patient’s health has been stabilized, the next priority should be seeking prompt legal assistance. Patients injured after taking Invokana may be entitled to compensation from the drug’s makers and manufacturers. It is important to act quickly, however, because claims are subject to strict time limitations. We encourage you to contact us today to begin the process at 713-425-6445.