Texas Diabetic Ketoacidosis LawyerDiabetic ketoacidosis, a serious condition involving too much acid in the bloodstream, is most often associated with type-1 diabetes. Unfortunately, patients with type-2 diabetes who use medications in the SGLT2 inhibitor class (Invokana, Farxiga, Jardiance, etc.) may also have an increased risk of this side effect, according to the FDA.

Need a Texas Diabetic Ketoacidosis Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one was diagnosed with ketoacidosis after taking a diabetes drug, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit in Texas.

UPDATE: Invokana Doubles Ketoacidosis Risk, Study Finds

Invokana doubles the risk of ketoacidosis compared to diabetes drugs in the DPP-4 inhibitor class, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in June 2017. An estimated 5 to 8 patients per 1,000 starting Invokana will develop ketoacidosis, a life-threatening condition involving too much acid in the blood. Click here to read more.

What is Diabetic Ketoacidosis?

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when cells in the body are unable to use glucose (sugar) in the bloodstream because there is not enough insulin. This forces the body to start burning fat to use as a fuel source.

Unfortunately, breaking down fat cells releases toxic acidic waste products known as ketones, which can build up in the blood and urine until serious complications occur. Symptoms may appear in as little as 24 hours and the condition has a fatality rate of 1-5%.

Complications

  • Fluid buildup and swelling in the brain (cerebral edema)
  • Heart attack
  • Intestinal tissue damage due to low blood pressure
  • Kidney failure
  • Coma
  • Death

Treatment

Treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis usually involves hospitalization. Most patients will be given intravenous (IV) fluids to treat dehydration and insulin to reduce ketone levels and get blood chemistry back into balance.

Patients might also receive electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and chloride to help keep the heart, muscles, and nerve cells functioning normally, according to the Mayo Clinic.

FDA Safety Warnings

December 4, 2015 — The FDA has updated the label on diabetes drugs in the SGLT2 inhibitor class to warn about ketoacidosis after receiving 73 reports of the side effect between March 2013 and May 2015. Click here to read more.

March 15, 2015 — In a Drug Safety Communication, the FDA is warning that diabetes drugs in the SGLT2 inhibitor class are associated with a risk of diabetic ketoacidosis.

SGLT2 inhibitors linked to diabetic ketoacidosis:

What is the problem?

Diabetic ketoacidosis almost always occurs in patients with type-1 diabetes who have very high blood-sugar and too little insulin. However, SGLT2 inhibitors are associated with ketoacidosis in patients with type-2 diabetes who have normal blood-sugar. The unusual symptoms may delay diagnosis and treatment.

Invokana Linked to Higher Risk of Ketoacidosis

Patients on Invokana are more likely to develop ketoacidosis than patients on other SGLT2 inhibitors, according to a review of clinical trial data published in Diabetes Care. However, experts cautioned that the risk was still low.

Warning Signs & Symptoms

Go to the emergency room or call an emergency number (such as 911) if you or a family member with diabetes has the following symptoms:

  • Decreased consciousness
  • Abnormal sleepiness or fatigue
  • Fruity breath
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Trouble breathing
  • Confusion

Other warning signs and symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis may include:

  • Excessive thirst
  • Frequent urination that lasts a day or more
  • Dry skin and mouth
  • Flushed face
  • Headache
  • Muscle stiffness or aches
  • Stomach or abdominal pain

Need a Diabetic Ketoacidosis Lawyer in Texas?

Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.

Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”

The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our Texas diabetic ketoacidosis lawyers for a free lawsuit review.

Meet Your Attorney

Collen A. Clark

Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.

“Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”

To contact Collen, please fill out the contact form below:

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