Invokana (also known by its generic name canagliflozin) is a SGLT2 Inhibitor medication that is used in adult patients who have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
The drug was developed by Janssen Pharmaceuticals which is a subdivision of parent company Johnson & Johnson.
What does Invokana Do?
According to information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website (FDA), an SGLT2 Inhibitor are considered to be “a class of prescription medicines that are FDA-approved for use with diet and exercise to lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes”. These medications assist the user’s kidneys in filtering out extra sugar via urine output.
What are the Risks?
In May of 2017 the FDA released a safety notice, stating that the use of Invokana has been associated with an increased risk of foot and leg amputations. People with diabetes are already at a heightened risk of developing infections and/or requiring amputation of limbs. Janssen Pharmaceuticals, as a result, had to modify Invokana’s label to include the warning issued by the FDA.
Next Steps:
Our firm is currently looking into any cases where a limb amputation occurred as a result of using Invokana.
