Men who take the popular erectile dysfunction drug Viagra may double their risk of developing potentially fatal skin cancer, Melanoma.
About Viagra
Viagra has been prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction, commonly called ED, since 1998. In 2011, manufacturer Pfizer said that the drug had been prescribed to more than 35 million men worldwide.
Despite achieving wide popularity, Viagra has had its fair share of problems. Serious side effects and health risks have surfaced over the years, and now a study published in the JAMA Internal Medicine reports that men who take the blue pill may double their risk of developing skin cancer, specifically melanoma. Melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The study, published on April 7, 2014, was conducted by researchers from Harvard University and Brown University.
A History of Viagra Safety Concerns
This new study is not the first time the safety of Viagra, a brand name for the drug sildenafil, has been called into question.
- In 2007, the FDA required Pfizer to change the drug’s label to more prominently display the risk of hearing loss associated with Viagra. Researchers blame the medication for a temporary loss of vision.
- Reports of men suffering from heart attack or stroke when using Viagra led to precautions when prescribing the drug to men with high blood pressure, a history of heart attacks or other cardiovascular problems.
The dangers of taking the drug seem to outweigh benefits, according to numerous studies and articles over the years.
Viagra and Melanoma
Many journals have published studies suggesting men taking Viagra are more likely to develop melanoma than men who have not taken the drug. A failure to warn of this very serious risk. A risk that could be the basis for a claim.
One study by the National Institutes of Health involved nearly 26,000 men and found that sildenafil, which is the active ingredient in Viagra, may increase a man’s risk of developing melanoma by as much as 84 %. Beginning in 2000, the study interviewed participants about their use of the medication, sexual health and their history of sun exposure. They compared this to a risk of genetic skin cancer, including a history of moles and eye and hair color.
Over the next 10 years, researchers noted various skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Researchers found 3,030 incidences of basal cell carcinoma, 580 of squamous cell carcinoma and 142 of melanoma. They concluded men who used Viagra had a two-fold risk of developing melanoma. However, there did not appear to be a link between the medication and a higher risk of developing other types of skin cancers.
Additionally, researchers did not find any evidence that suffering from ED increases a man’s risk of melanoma. This does not necessarily prove that Viagra causes skin cancer, but there is a link between the two.
Viagra Recall
There has not been a Viagra recall as of October 2017. In 2005, the FDA approved updated labeling to include sudden vision loss from non-arthritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) as a side effect. NAION is a condition in which the optic nerve blocks blood flow. In 2007, the FDA announced another label change to include sudden hearing loss.
There doesn’t need to be a recall for people to pursue a claim against Viagra manufacturer, Pfizer. Failure to warn of side effects of a drug can be a basis of drug company liability, regardless of whether the drug has been recalled.
We Want to Help Melanoma Victims
It is your right to be informed about the long-term risks associated with the medications you take, and it is the responsibility of drug companies to provide this information. If after taking Viagra you or a loved one developed melanoma, you should demand accountability from Pfizer. Why didn’t Pfizer tell you?
We want to help send a message that this is not acceptable. We are advocates for dangerous products that harm consumers, and we have the experience necessary to successfully litigate these cases.
On June 15, 2016, U.S. District Judge Richard Seeborg appointed Attorney Michael Brady Lynch, lead trial attorney and founder of The Michael Brady Lynch Firm in Winter Park, FL to serve on the Plaintiff’s Steering Committee (PSC) in Viagra litigation MDL #2691.
Therefore, it is no surprise that Judge Seeborg appointed Attorney Michael Brady Lynch to this prestigious position. Lynch has represented thousands of plaintiffs in MDLs and state-coordinated mass tort claims from around the country and has recovered over 250 million dollars in verdicts and settlements.
Attorney Michael Brady Lynch is no stranger to leadership positions in prominent mass tort actions. Judge Herndon appointed Lynch to the PSC in the Pradaxa MDL #2385. Then, Boehringer went on to settle Pradaxa claims for over $650 million. Lynch is dedicated to bringing the same determination for justice on the Viagra Plaintiff’s Steering Committee.
Contact the Michael Brady Lynch Firm today for a free consultation to learn more about seeking justice. Compensation may be available for any medical expenses associated with this ordeal, as well as for your physical and emotional suffering. There is no obligation.
Viagra Litigation Update
Currently, depositions are underway. On April 16, 2018, the deposition of general causation experts will begin. However, currently, there is not a scheduled trial date.
How We Can Help
When you experience side effects from a dangerous drug, it can have devastating effects on your entire life. A verdict or settlement may give you compensation for your injuries and damages. The types of recoverable losses are:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of an ability to work; and
- Pain and suffering
Also, if a person dies from complications from a drug, family members may be able to recover damages for the wrongful death of their loved one, including:
- Funeral expenses
- Medical expenses prior to death
- Loss of economic support; and
- Loss of companionship
Therefore, if a jury finds the conduct of a drug company in manufacturing and selling a drug to be highly reckless, they may award punitive damages. These can punish the company and deter similar conduct in the future. If you developed melanoma after taking Viagra, please speak to us to learn more about your rights.
Learn More
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New Generic Viagra Could Expose More Men to Melanoma
Viagra & Melanoma Cases Expected to Grow
Cialis Lawsuits Added to Viagra Melanoma MDL
Viagra Users: How to Check for Skin Cancer
Michael Brady Lynch Appointed to Plaintiff’s Steering Committee in Viagra Litigation