Invokana (canagliflozin) regulates blood sugar in type 2 diabetes patients. Doctors prescribe Invokana to over 4 million patients in the United States each year. This makes Invokana the most prescribed sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) medication within its drug class. However, Invokana’s also linked to serious adverse health events. Among the latest discoveries is a correlation between Invokana and lower bone density. This accelerated osteoperosis onset can cause fractures and broken bones.
An Overview of Invokana Complication Risks
Back in 2015, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned that SGLT2 inhibitors like Invokana may cause ketoacidosis. Also known as diabetic acidosis or DKA, the potentially fatal condition’s marked by elevated blood acid levels. Ketoacidosis symptoms which may require hospitalization include:
- vomiting
- nausea
- difficulty breathing
- abdominal pain
- confusion
- fatigue
Other painful, potentially serious Invokana complications may include:
- Toe, foot and lower-leg amputations
- chronic urinary tract infections
- kidney stones
- lower bone density as well as associated bone fractures
Aging is a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. In 2012, American adults aged 45-64 were most frequently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. That means that when bones break, they also heal slower and risk further complications.
The Relationship Between Invokana and Lower Bone Density
The FDA released an Invokana safety alert in September 2015 about lower bone density risks. Specifically, the FDA added lower bone density and fracture risks to Invokana’s drug label under “possible adverse reactions.” Lower bone density is also listed on the drug’s prescribing information and packaging as well as medication labels.
FDA Issues Lower Bone Density Warning for Invokana Patients
From the FDA:
Healthcare professionals should consider factors that contribute to increased fracture risk before prescribing canagliflozin. Further, patients should ask their doctors about lower bone density risks while taking Invokana. Finally, type 2 diabetes patients shouldn’t stop or change medications without first consulting a doctor.
Additional information for physicians as well as healthcare providers:
- Patients taking type 2 diabetes medicine canagliflozin have reported lower bone density and associated fractures.
- Fractures can occur as early as 12 weeks after starting canagliflozin.
- Canagliflozin is also linked to lower bone density and mineral levels at the hip and lower spine.
- Consider fracture risk factors prior to initiating canagliflozin treatment.
- Counsel patients about factors that may contribute to bone fracture risks.
This action came after a two-year Invokana clinical trial analyzed bone density changes among 714 elderly patients. Researchers found that subjects given Invokana showed signficantly lower bone density at the hip and lower spine vs. those taking a placebo. In addition, fractures can occur as early as 12 weeks after starting daily Invokana use. For this reason, always ask your doctor about possible risks before taking any prescription blood sugar medication.
What You Can Do
If either you or someone you love experienced severe Invokana side effects, you may qualify for financial compensation. Get your free Invokana claim review today to learn how to get the justice and pay you deserve.
Related:Invokana Side Effects – Type 2 Diabetic Toe Amputations & Other Risks
Lori Polemenakos is Director of Consumer Content and SEO strategist for LeadingResponse, a legal marketing company. An award-winning journalist, writer and editor based in Dallas, Texas, she's produced articles for major brands such as Match.com, Yahoo!, MSN, AOL, Xfinity, Mail.com, and edited several published books. Since 2016, she's published hundreds of articles about Social Security disability, workers' compensation, veterans' benefits, personal injury, mass tort, auto accident claims, bankruptcy, employment law and other related legal issues.