The diabetes drug Invokana (Canagliflozin) could actually be more dangerous than helpful to patients. An initial study of the drug, the CANVAS clinical trials in 2009, concluded that it caused “major adverse cardiovascular events, including CV death”.
Although Canagliflozin was approved by the FDA in 2013, many medical professionals had unanswered questions about its safety. A major concern was an elevated risk of stroke within the first thirty days of use.
Cardiologist Dr. William R. Hiatt, who voted against the FDA approval, said
“I feel that if you walk away with 100% voting to put it on the market, that sends a message to clinicians that this drug is okay. I’m not sure yet it’s 100% okay, so I voted no.”
Seconds Count is a patient education resource about cardiovascular health. The article entitled Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease includes a 50 second video by Cardiologist Dr. Samir B. Pancholy. He shares why diabetes is a major risk factor for heart disease. He reveals that patients with diabetes have the same risk of having a heart attack as if they’d had one previously. This is called a coronary equivalent.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is a common complication associated with the drug Invokana. DKA’s link to cardiovascular problems has been well-documented for many years, as shown in this medical journal article from 1995.
Considering all the pre-existing medical data available, it appears that the manufacturers of Invokana underreported its cardiovascular risks.
Have you or someone in your family suffered a heart attack or stroke after using Invokana? Personal injury lawsuits have been filed in many states, including Illinois.
Please contact us today to share your story with one of our experienced attorneys. You will be treated with respect. Your medical suffering is important to us. We want to help. 217-337-1400