Lawsuits against diabetes drugs such as Jardiance (empagliflozin), Invokana (canagliflozin), and other similar medications primarily focus on allegations related to serious side effects and safety concerns. These drugs belong to a class called SGLT2 inhibitors, which help lower blood sugar by causing the kidneys to remove glucose through urine. While effective for managing type 2 diabetes and some heart and kidney conditions, they have been linked to adverse effects that have prompted legal action.
The main legal issues revolve around claims that manufacturers failed to adequately warn patients and doctors about risks such as diabetic ketoacidosis (a dangerous buildup of acids in the blood), kidney problems, urinary tract infections, and in some cases, limb amputations. Plaintiffs in these lawsuits argue that the companies behind Jardiance, Invokana, and similar drugs did not provide sufficient safety information or downplayed the severity of these risks.
Invokana, one of the earliest SGLT2 inhibitors on the market, has faced numerous lawsuits alleging it caused serious side effects including kidney damage and increased risk of amputations. These cases have resulted in settlements and ongoing litigation, reflecting the significant concern over its safety profile.
Jardiance, while also effective and approved for multiple indications including type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease, has similarly been the subject of complaints and lawsuits. Users have reported side effects such as lightheadedness, urinary tract infections, and in rare cases, diabetic ketoacidosis requiring hospitalization. Some patients have expressed frustration and harm from these side effects, fueling legal claims against the drug’s manufacturer.
The status of these lawsuits varies. Some cases have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation to streamline pretrial proceedings, while others remain individual claims. The outcomes depend on the evidence presented regarding the drug makers’ knowledge of risks and their communication to the public and healthcare providers.
Patent protections for these drugs are still in place, with Jardiance’s patent expected to last until around 2025-2027, which affects generic competition and market dynamics. This ongoing patent protection means the branded drugs remain widely used, keeping the legal scrutiny active as more patients use these medications.
In summary, lawsuits against Jardiance, Invokana, and other diabetes drugs focus on serious side effects allegedly not properly disclosed by manufacturers. These legal actions are ongoing, with some cases settled and others still in court, reflecting the complex balance between the benefits of these drugs and their potential risks.
