Court Consolidates All Invokana Lawsuits in New Jersey

In early December, 2016, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation decided that all lawsuits nationwide involving the diabetes drug Invokana will be heard by the U.S. District Court in Trenton, New Jersey. The total number of Invokana lawsuits filed in New Jersey, as of January, 2017, is 79.

The Problems with Invokana | Kidney Failure | Ketoacidosis

Invokana is one of a number of so-called “new generation” diabetes drugs, designed to force your kidneys to eliminate excess (and dangerous) levels of blood sugar into your urine. The product was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the FDA) for treatment of type 2, or adult-onset, diabetes. In 2015, however, the FDA issued a warning to patients and doctors, saying that there was concern that Invokana could contribute to or cause diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is a serious health concern, caused when body cells have insufficient glucose because of a lack of insulin. When the cells are deprived of glucose (sugar), your body looks for other sources of energy, breaking down fat and muscle, if necessary. This introduces certain acids into your bloodstream (called ketones), which can lead to a serious and potentially fatal chemical imbalance.

Last summer, the FDA issued a second alert tied to Invokana, citing reports that use of the drug had also led to increased risk of kidney injury and kidney failure.

The Concept of Multidistrict Litigation in the Federal Courts

The practice of multidistrict litigation is used by the federal courts in an attempt to more efficiently utilize resources, as well as to minimize the likelihood of inconsistent verdicts and rulings. When employed, the procedure calls for the assignment of a number of cases involving the same legal issues to be heard in a single federal court by a single federal judge.

Contact Our Office

If you or someone you love has suffered injury, illness or has died after taking prescription Invokana, we can help protect your rights. For a private meeting with experienced personal injury attorneys, contact us online or call our offices, in New Brunswick at 732-247-3600 or in Somerville at 908-448-2560.