Patients with type-2 diabetes who use Synjardy can develop serious side effects involving too much acid in the bloodstream, including diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and lactic acidosis. The FDA has also issued warnings about severe infections, kidney failure, and more.
Need a Texas Synjardy 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 a severe side effect, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.
FDA Warning: Synjardy and Acidosis
Synjardy helps control blood-sugar levels with a combination of metformin and empagliflozin. These drugs stimulate the pancreas to make more insulin and force the kidneys to remove extra glucose (sugar) from the body in urine. Unfortunately, they can both lead to too much acid in the bloodstream.
Metformin has been linked to lactic acidosis, a condition in which cells do not get enough oxygen and lactate builds up in body tissues. Synjardy has a “Black Box” warning about this side effect in the Prescribing Information (PDF).
Empagliflozin was also linked to diabetic ketoacidosis, according to a Safety Communication issued by the FDA in December 2015. This side effect occurs when the body is burning fat instead of using blood-sugar for energy, which causes toxic acids called ketones to build up in the blood and urine.
Ketoacidosis can develop in just a few hours, especially in patients who are vomiting or have diarrhea due to illness. Increased urination can also rapidly deplete body fluids, causing dehydration and serious electrolyte imbalances in the bloodstream.
FDA Recommendation for Synjardy Patients
Patients on Synjardy should pay close attention to their ketone levels. Ketoacidosis can occur even when blood-sugar levels are normal or only moderately higher than usual. It is a good idea to check ketone levels every few hours when you are feeling sick, vomiting, or have diarrhea.
The FDA recommends seeking emergency medical attention if you have the following symptoms of ketoacidosis:
- Difficulty breathing
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Confusion
- Unusual fatigue or sleepiness
Ketoacidosis Lawsuits May Be Centralized in MDL
Lawsuits have already been filed by people who developed ketoacidosis after taking an SGLT2 inhibitor, but these cases are not part of a class action — they are individual lawsuits. If the number of cases continues to increase, it is possible that judges will centralize the lawsuits in a Multi-District Litigation (MDL). This has many of the advantages of a class action, but each case remains independent.
What is the problem?
The Clark Firm, LLP is nationally recognized as a class action law firm in Texas. However, our attorneys are not filing a Synjardy class action at this time. Instead, we are pursuing individual lawsuits against drug-makers on behalf of people who were injured by severe side effects, such as:
About Class Actions
Class actions are designed to maximize efficiency and help a lot of people resolve similar legal claims all at once. Everyone consolidates their claims into one claim. Lawyers choose one person to be the “class representative,” and if that person is awarded compensation, everyone in the class action shares.
Why Our Law Firm is Filing Individual Lawsuits as Opposed to a Class Action
The problem with class actions is that they are not designed to maximize compensation for people with the most serious injuries. Members of class actions sometimes must accept high attorneys’ fees or a “low-ball” settlement that leaves only a small payout for everyone to share.
Instead of a class action, our attorneys file individual lawsuits. There is no excuse for drug-makers who downplay life-threatening side effects. We specialize in helping victims of defective drugs seek financial compensation for their injuries, medical expenses, lost income, disability, and more.
Need a Synjardy 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 Synjardy lawyers for a free lawsuit review.