Invokana remains under fire as it is linked to another serious side effect. In addition to lawsuits filed against Janssen Pharmaceuticals and its parent company Johnson & Johnson for ketoacidosis, kidney infections, and blood infections, Invokana has now been linked to an increase in risk for lower limb amputation. This isn’t a small risk. Invokana almost doubles the risk according to recent research findings.
Recent Scientific Research and FDA Warning
In 2015, the FDA released a safety communication to warn medical professionals and patients about the risk of developing ketoacidosis. In 2017, more scientific research has shown that using Invokana increases the risk of foot and leg amputations. Because of this, the FDA recently issued another safety communication. The FDA required Janssen Pharmaceuticals to update Invokana’s warning label to inform patients and medical professionals.
The new studies, known as CANVAS and CANVAS-R (Canagliflozin Cardiovascular Assessment Study and A Study of the Effects of Canagliflozin on Renal Endpoints in Adult Participants with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus), showed that while Invokana may reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications by 14%, there was an increase in the risk of lower limb amputation. The most common amputations were toes.
Understanding How to Reduce the Risk of Amputation
Diabetes may lead to amputation because patients may develop diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy is a form of nerve damage. When people have diabetic neuropathy, they’re less likely to realize that they have an open wound of some sort on their foot or leg. Unfortunately, when these wounds occur, they are also slow to heal. Some of the injuries may not heal at all. This can lead to life-threatening infections, amputations, or death.
According to the Mayo Clinic, properly managing diabetes and good foot care can help reduce the likelihood of a diabetic ulcer. Make sure that you follow your medication and diet plan to keep your blood sugar and blood pressure within the appropriate range. If you smoke, make plans to stop smoking as smoking can worsen or even cause neuropathy.
Check your feet every day for blisters, cracks, sores, redness, tenderness or swelling. If you can’t reach your feet, use a mirror. Noticing these items and seeking proper medical care early can literally save you from an amputation. Keep your feet clean by washing them every day in lukewarm water. Dry your feet well. If you notice calluses on your feet, do not try to remove them on your own. See your doctor.
Do not go without shoes or socks even around the house. It is important to protect your feet at all costs. The socks that you wear should be the kind that draw moisture away from your skin. Make sure that your shoes fit you properly. If your shoes are too tight, you could develop sores.
Finally, talk to your healthcare professional about your options. If you’re taking Invokana, you should discuss the risks of amputation with your doctor so that you can make an educated decision about your health.
Goldwater Law Firm
If you took Invokana and developed ketoacidosis, kidney disease, or had to undergo an amputation, you may be eligible to file an Invokana lawsuit and receive compensation. To learn more and to schedule your free case evaluation, contact Goldwater Law Firm right away.