Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers

Practice Areas: Wrongful Death, Medical Malpractice, Bad Faith Insurance, Car Accidents, T-Bone Tractor-Trailer Accidents, Dangerous Drugs

Diabetes medications are meant to help people manage their health, not put them in danger. But over the last several years, growing concerns have surfaced around the safety of Invokana a medication for type 2 diabetes that has been connected to serious medical risks like bone fractures, diabetic ketoacidosis, and even amputations. Many patients in Tulsa and across the country are now seeking legal help to hold the manufacturer accountable.

If you or someone you love experienced serious side effects after taking Invokana, this guide explains the medical risks, FDA warnings, and legal options available. Graves McLain Injury Lawyers is committed to helping Oklahoma residents navigate defective drug claims with confidence and care.

What Is Invokana and Why Are Patients Filing Lawsuits?

Invokana, also known by its generic name canagliflozin, is a prescription drug used to treat Type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a group of medications called SGLT2 inhibitors, which work by helping the kidneys remove excess glucose through urine. The drug was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2013 and has since been widely prescribed across the United States.

Unfortunately, shortly after its release, patients began reporting severe side effects not clearly explained in the drug’s warning label. These complications included diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious condition that can lead to hospitalization, as well as sudden bone fractures and loss of bone density.

Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a division of Johnson & Johnson, manufactures Invokana. Lawsuits filed across the country claim that the company failed to warn patients and doctors about the drug’s dangers adequately.

FDA Warnings and Medical Risks Linked to Invokana

Since its initial approval, the FDA has issued several warnings about Invokana. These warnings are based on post-market studies and adverse event reports that show a clear link between the drug and certain health complications.

In 2015, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning that Invokana could cause serious side effects, including diabetic ketoacidosis, bone fractures, and a reduction in bone mineral density. (FDA Drug Safety Communication, 2015 & 2017)

In May 2015, the FDA alerted the public about the risk of ketoacidosis, a potentially life-threatening condition in which the blood becomes acidic. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, shortness of breath, and confusion. Later that year, in September, the agency added a new warning about decreased bone density and the risk of fractures—especially in the hips and lower spine.

Post-menopausal women and older adults appear to face a higher risk of bone density loss when using SGLT2 inhibitors like Invokana.

In 2017, the FDA added its most serious warning—a black box label—citing an increased risk of lower limb amputations, particularly affecting the toes and feet. These complications can begin within just 12 weeks of treatment.

Legal Grounds for Invokana Lawsuits

Thousands of lawsuits have been filed against Janssen Pharmaceuticals for injuries related to Invokana. Many of these were consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL 2750) to streamline the process in federal court.

Multidistrict litigation (MDL 2750) was established to consolidate Invokana lawsuits in federal court, allowing plaintiffs to share discovery and streamline proceedings.

These lawsuits typically claim:

  • The manufacturer failed to warn patients and doctors about the risks.
  • The drug’s design was unreasonably dangerous.
  • The company acted negligently in bringing the drug to market

In Oklahoma, product liability law allows patients to pursue claims if a drug causes harm and the manufacturer did not provide adequate warnings

Who May Qualify for an Invokana Lawsuit?

You may be eligible to file a claim if you:

  • Were diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes
  • Took Invokana or another SGLT2 inhibitor (like Jardiance or Farxiga)

Experienced serious health issues such as:

  • Diabetic ketoacidosis
  • Bone fractures
  • Diabetic coma
  • Amputation of toes, feet, or leg

The timing of when your symptoms started and how they relate to the medication is essential. Each case is different, and talking with a defective drug attorney can help determine if you qualify.

What Compensation Could Be Available?

People harmed by dangerous medications may be able to recover money for:

  • Emergency and ongoing medical treatment
  • Hospital stays, surgeries, or amputation-related care
  • Missed work and lost earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life or permanent disability

Drug injury cases are complicated, and compensation depends on how severe the injuries are, how long the person took the medication, and the strength of medical evidence linking the drug to the harm.

Significant FDA Actions on Invokana and Related SGLT2 Inhibitors

Date

Regulatory Action

Description

Mar 2013FDA ApprovalInvokana (canagliflozin) approved for Type 2 diabetes
May 2015Safety WarningRisk of ketoacidosis announced
Sept 2015Label UpdateWarning about increased risk of bone fractures and low bone density
May 2017Black Box Warning AddedAmputation risk officially added to label
2018–2023Litigation DevelopmentsConsolidation of claims under MDL 2750; several settlements reported

How Graves McLain Injury Lawyers Help Victims of Dangerous Drugs

If you’ve suffered harm from a prescription drug, it’s essential to work with a law firm that understands both medical evidence and legal strategy. Graves McLain Injury Lawyers has represented many clients in Tulsa and across Oklahoma in defective drug cases.

The firm helps clients by:

  • Investigating their medical history and drug use
  • Working with doctors and specialists to support claims
  • Preparing cases for trial or settlement negotiations

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Invokana, and why are lawsuits being filed?

Invokana is a prescription drug used to treat Type 2 diabetes. Lawsuits allege that it causes severe side effects like ketoacidosis, bone fractures, and even amputations, which were not adequately disclosed to patients.

How do I qualify for an Invokana lawsuit?

You may qualify if you took Invokana and experienced severe complications like diabetic coma, bone fracture, ketoacidosis, or required amputation. A defective drug attorney can evaluate your case.

Is there still time to file an Invokana lawsuit in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma has a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims. If your injury occurred recently, or you only just discovered the link to Invokana, you may still have time.

How are Invokana lawsuits being handled—individually or in a class action?

Many cases were part of a federal multidistrict litigation (MDL), but some were filed individually. Your case type depends on the details and timing of your injury.

What kind of compensation can victims expect in Invokana cases?

Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, the amount depends on the severity of the injuries and case-specific evidence.

What does it cost to hire a defective drug lawyer?

Graves McLain Injury Lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. You don’t pay any legal fees unless they win your case. Clients may still be responsible for case-related costs.

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Conclusion

Invokana was introduced as a helpful drug for managing Type 2 diabetes, but many patients have instead faced dangerous and even life-changing side effects. With FDA warnings, thousands of lawsuits, and real people affected across the country, it’s clear that legal action plays a vital role in holding drug makers accountable.

If you believe Invokana caused your injuries, consulting a lawyer can help you understand your possibilities and take the next step toward recovery. Graves McLain Injury Lawyers stands by individuals harmed by defective medications and offers guidance tailored to your unique case.

When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.

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