Have You Taken Viagra and Developed Melanoma?
Research shows that men who have used Viagra are at increased risk of developing melanoma compared to men who have never used Viagra. One recent study found that current Viagra users may have up to an 84% increased risk of developing melanoma skin cancer. Despite the mounting evidence, Viagra’s manufacturer Pfizer does not warn physicians or patients about this risk in the drug’s prescribing information or label.
Viagra
Viagra is the brand name for sildenafil, the popular erectile dysfunction (“ED”) drug manufactured by Pfizer. Since its introduction on the U.S. market in March 1998, Viagra has been a blockbuster medication, generating billions of dollars in annual sales for Pfizer.
However, new research shows that men who have used Viagra have a two-fold increased risk of developing melanoma compared to men who have never used Viagra. Melanoma is a dangerous and potentially fatal type of skin cancer.
One recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that current Viagra users may have as high as an 84% increased risk of developing melanoma skin cancer. The study involved a review of data of more than 25,000 participants, and the finding held true even when taking into account the patients’ histories of skin and other cancers, ultraviolet light exposure and others major illnesses. The JAMA study also noted that there was no evidence of an association between erectile dysfunction itself and an increased risk of developing melanoma.
Despite the mounting evidence linking Viagra to an increased risk of melanoma, Pfizer does not warn physicians or patients about this risk in the drug’s prescribing information or label. If Pfizer had provided a proper warning, many patients may have been able to avoid a diagnosis of melanoma by electing not to take the drug, or been able to reduce their risk of developing serious skin cancer by being carefully monitoring for signs and symptoms of melanoma.
This is not the first time that Pfizer has faced claims involving failing to warn about adverse events associated with Viagra use. In the mid-2000s, Pfizer faced a number of lawsuits that Viagra caused vision loss, including blindness, in users. In 2005, the FDA required Pfizer to update the drug’s label to include information about the risk of vision loss.
Contact Lewis Saul & Associates, P.C. To Discuss Your Rights
If you or a loved one used Viagra and suffered melanoma, you may be entitled to pursue a claim against the manufacturers for damages. For a free and confidential case evaluation, please call our office toll-free at (888) 747-5342 or complete our online contact form and we will promptly respond to your inquiry.