What Happens if You Are Injured by a Diabetes Medication?

Thursday, October 8, 2015

What Happens if You Are Injured by a Diabetes Medication?

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

Diabetes can become debilitating – even when you take care of yourself and take the required medications. But, some of those medications that are meant to help those with diabetes can also cause serious, life-threatening side effects.

Recently the FDA has received several complaints about diabetes patients who have been treated with SGLT2 inhibitors – which have been linked to the development of ketoacidosis. This can also be linked to insulin deficiency, hyperglycemia, and even dehydration. For some patients, this medication can cause such severe side effects that the individual must be hospitalized. Those who have been injured by this medication may be wondering what legal options they have.

First Signs of the Illness

The FDA issued a warning in May 2015 regarding SGLT2 inhibitors and possible side effects. They stated that if there was too much acid in the blood, serious conditions could appear. In some instances, ketoacidosis could result in hospitalization. The FDA issued an official warning to all diabetes patients stating that they should seek immediate medical attention if they experience any symptoms including:

• Shortness of breath
• Nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Confusion
• Unusual fatigue or unexplained sleepiness

The patients were also instructed to not stop their medication, but instead wait for a physician to access their level of acidosis. Those experiencing ketoacidosis should stop taking their SGLT2 until the acidosis is officially confirmed and then physicians must take measures to correct the condition.

Why Does a Diabetic Patient Develop Ketoacidosis?

Several SGLT2 inhibitors have been linked to the development of ketoacidosis. These include drugs under the name of Invokana, Invokamet, Farxiga, Jardiance and Glyxambi.

Anyone taking medications should always be wary of potential side effects and report dangerous drugs to the FDA for their MedWatch program. Pharmaceutical companies are liable for their medications – including any side effects that can present unexpectedly. Already there have been several instances where pharmaceutical manufacturers were required to pay settlements in the millions for their unsafe drugs – including diabetes medications.

Injured by a Dangerous Medication or Physician’s Negligence?

Numerous patients who have developed ketoacidosis often had physicians who did not properly monitor them after prescribing the inhibitor drug. Because of this negligence, these patients developed high levels of acidity and then were forced to be hospitalized until the condition could be corrected – and the hospitalization could have been prevented through proper testing and monitoring.

If you were injured because of a dangerous medication or your physician failed to recognize dangerous side effects of a drug, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Even with diabetes, you have the right to take safe medications and your physician is required to provide you a reasonable standard of care.

Speak with the attorneys at Malman Law today regarding your potential medical malpractice case. We offer free consultations, so contact us online or call 888-625-6265 now to schedule your appointment.