Newer Type 2 diabetes drugs, called sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, hit the market in March, 2013. Invokana (canagliflozin) was the first to receive approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Since then SGLT2 inhibitors have been linked to serious side effects, including kidney damage. Now, based on recent reports, the FDA has strengthened its warning about the risk of acute kidney injury with the use of Invokana and Invokamet (canagliflozin), and Farxiga and Xigduo XR (dapagliflozin).
The FDA Warning
SGLT2 inhibitors help reduce blood sugar levels in Type 2 diabetes patients by preventing glucose from being reabsorbed into the blood by the kidneys. Instead, the glucose is excreted in urine. The FDA received reports of 101 cases of acute kidney injury with canagliflozin or dapagliflozin use, from March 2013 through October 2015. Since that number only includes cases reported to the agency, the FDA says the real number is probably higher.
The FDA is warning Invokana, Invokamet, Farxiga and Xigduo users to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms of acute kidney damage. It is also advising prescribing doctors to consider the following risk factors:
- Chronic kidney disease
- Decreased blood volume
- Congestive heart failure
- Use of certain medications
Medications which may increase risk of acute kidney failure include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Diuretics
- ACE inhibitors, used to control blood pressure
- Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), used to control blood pressure
If you or someone you love has been harmed by diabetes medication, please talk to an experienced defective drug attorney right away to learn more about your rights and potential compensation.
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