The prescription drugs Invokana® (canagliflozin) and Invokamet® (canagliflozin and metformin) are used to treat Type 2 diabetes. However, they have been linked to an increased risk of serious complications, including Fournier’s gangrene, bladder cancer, and renal cancer.
If you or your loved one took Invokana or Invokamet and developed gangrene, bladder cancer, or renal cancer, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact our drug injury lawyers now to see how we may be able to help.
Side Effects of Invokana® and Invokamet®
An increased risk of the following dangerous conditions and side effects has been linked to Invokana and Invokamet:
- Fournier’s gangrene
- Bladder cancer
- Renal cancer
If you or a loved one took Invokana or Invokamet and experienced any of these side effects, contact us immediately. Our drug injury lawyers may be able to help you recover compensation.
Invokana® and Invokamet® Linked to Fournier’s Gangrene
Invokana and Invokamet belong to a class of drugs prescribed to treat patients with Type 2 diabetes called SGLT2 inhibitors. SGLT2 inhibitors help patients lower their blood sugar by preventing the buildup of glucose in the kidneys.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a Drug Safety Communication in September 2018 stating that patients have developed Fournier’s gangrene as a result of taking Invokana and Invokamet. Fournier’s gangrene causes infection of the genitals and their surrounding areas, including muscles, nerves, tissues, and blood vessels. Although rare, the infection can become life-threatening if not treated quickly.
Patients who exhibit the following symptoms of Fournier’s gangrene should seek medical attention as soon as possible:
- Swelling, redness, or tenderness of the genitals
- Fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
- General malaise
If you or your loved one developed Fournier’s gangrene while taking an SGLT2 inhibitor such as Invokana, Invokamet, or Invokamet XR, our drug injury lawyers want to fight for you. Contact us today to find out how we may be able to help you pursue compensation.
Invokana® May Increase Risk of Bladder and Renal Cancers
According to an FDA Drug Safety Communication released in June 2016, patients taking Invokana and Invokamet may also be more likely to develop acute kidney injury, or kidney failure. While no official warnings have been added to patient medication information, recent research also shows a link between Invokana or Invokamet and bladder and renal cancers.
Symptoms of bladder cancer include:
- Blood in the urine
- Frequent or painful urination
- Pelvic pain
Symptoms of renal cancer include:
- Blood in the urine
- Lower back pain isolated to one side
- Unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal pain or swelling
Patients who have symptoms of bladder or renal cancers should seek immediate medical attention. If you or a loved one developed bladder or renal cancer during or after taking Invokana or Invokamet, you may be entitled to compensation. Our attorneys are here to help—contact us today.
Our Invokana® Lawyers Want to Help
If you or someone you love took Invokana or Invokamet and developed Fournier’s gangrene, bladder cancer, or kidney cancer, our lawyers want to help. There are strict deadlines for filing drug injury lawsuits, so contact us immediately. Our experienced legal team is standing by to answer your questions.
Invokana® and Invokamet® are trademarks of Johnson & Johnson Corporation and are used here only to identify the products in question. This law firm is not associated with, sponsored by, or affiliated with Johnson & Johnson Corporation or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Do not stop taking a prescription medication without first consulting with your doctor. Discontinuing a prescribed medication without your doctor's advice can result in injury or death.
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