Invokana helps type 2 diabetes patients regulate blood sugar. Invokana lowers A1C (blood sugar measured over a 90-day period). Also known as canagliflozin, Invokana belongs to a newer drug class called sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. It works by helping your body excrete excess glucose through urine instead of reabsorbing it through your kidneys. This chemical process helps keep your blood sugar levels steady throughout the day. While Invokana’s effective at stabilizing blood sugar levels, it’s also linked to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Invokana-related ketoacidosis is a potentially life-threatening condition that can lead to diabetic coma or even death.
What Are Some Invokana-Related Ketoacidosis Symptoms?
Ketoacidosis is a condition that causes high-levels of acid to form within the blood. This is caused by ketone build-up. Here’s the science behind it:
When your cells cannot turn glucose into energy, your body burns fat instead. That fat-burning process produces compounds known as ketones. When ketones build up in your blood due to missing glucose, your blood becomes more acidic. Acidic blood can cause blood clots, kidney failure, heart attacks or stroke as well as other injuries.
Invokana-related ketoacidosis symptoms are subtle. This can make the condition hard for patients to detect. You may have DKA if you start having these problems:
- Thirst or a dry mouth
- Frequent urination
- Feelings of constant fatigue
- High blood glucose (blood sugar levels)
- Dry or flushed skin
- Vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain
- Fruity odor on breath
How Does Invokana-Related Ketoacidosis Occur?
Invokana works by triggering the kidneys to release excess blood glucose through the urine. When your body doesn’t have enough glucose, it has to burn fat to get energy. The process of burning fat creates ketones, which make the blood acidic. Invokana may lead to blood clots and related injuries, because it may push out too much sugar. As a result, patients may develop Invokana-related ketoacidosis.
Type 2 diabetics prescribed SGLT2 inhibitors should watch closely for any Invokana-related ketoacidosis symptoms. Many patients don’t immediately recognize these subtle signs, which may include fatigue as well as thirst. If you’re worried, test yourself regularly at home using some ketone strips.
FDA Warnings and Invokana
The FDA has since issued a warning for consumers about Invokana-related ketoacidosis risks. In a warning about potential Invokana-related ketoacidosis dangers, the FDA said: “We are continuing to investigate this safety issue and will determine whether changes are needed in the prescribing information for this class of drugs.”
Drug labels now warn of risks of ketoacidosis, although the new warnings come too late for many who have already been injured.
What You Can Do
If you or a loved one have experienced ketoacidosis or any of its related symptoms from taking Invokana, you may be eligible for financial compensation.
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.