The defective drug lawyers at Marc Whitehead & Associates law firm are reviewing potential Viagra lawsuits for men throughout the U.S. who have developed melanoma—a highly threatening form of skin cancer—as a result of using Viagra (sildenafil citrate).
One of the most prescribed drugs in history, Viagra is used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, or ED. Viagra is made by the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer.
Over the years, serious side effects of taking this drug have ranged from severe drops in blood pressure to vision disorders. The most recent reported side effect of Viagra is melanoma, a potentially deadly skin cancer that invades certain skin cells.
Viagra: The Unvarnished Truth
If you have questions about the possibilities of skin cancer associated with taking Viagra to treat erectile dysfunction, our free ebook is a must-read:
Viagra: The Unvarnished Truth – The Link between the Deadly Skin Cancer Melanoma and Viagra
Aimed to help men and their families protect their rights, we urge you to download your complimentary copy.
The book reveals the history behind the drug, and the facts you need to know in order to pursue compensation that may be available through a Viagra melanoma lawsuit.
Viagra Was Originally Meant to Treat Heart Disease
Viagra was first developed to treat cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure. Preliminary work with the active ingredient, sildenafil, showed that sildenafil inhibits an enzyme that regulates blood flow in the body.
Pfizer’s researchers thus targeted Viagra as a treatment for angina and hypertension. However, further trial studies demonstrated that the sildenafil compound not did not provide the benefits they had expected for patients with high blood pressure.
What they did not expect was that the drug had a very beneficial effect on men with erectile dysfunction. Pfizer had on its hands a high-demand product for which there was no predecessor. Able to fill an unmet medical need, Viagra suddenly became a blockbuster product for Pfizer.
On March 27, 1998, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave Pfizer permission to market the drug to treat penile erectile dysfunction. The rest is history. Viagra became one of the best-selling prescription drugs in the world, which in turn meant annual sales of over $1 billion for Pfizer.
By 2014, more than 35 million men worldwide had been prescribed Viagra.
How Might Viagra Use Lead to Melanoma Skin Cancer?
Recent research potentially links sildenafil and melanoma. In June 2014, JAMA Internal Medicine journal reported on a study evaluating the link between sildenafil use and melanoma. The study revealed that men who use Viagra may be 84% more likely to develop melanoma than men who do not take the drug.
The study involved 25,848 men registered in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study at the Harvard School of Public Health. The participants were of an average age of 64 years, and the study covered a 10-year period (2000-2010).
While the study has not resulted in changes to clinical recommendation, the association of sildenafil with melanoma risk is basis for continued concern and investigation.
Sildenafil boosts the invasiveness of melanoma cells
Melanoma cancer attacks certain pigment-producing cells that help regulate a person’s skin color.
A protein in the body called PDE5A helps protect against cancer. Viagra’s active ingredient, sildenafil, is a PDE5A inhibitor. The indications are that Viagra acts to lower the level of this protein. As a result, melanoma cancer cells are able to invade the body with less resistance.
What Are Symptoms of Melanoma?
Many people have harmless moles and birthmarks, therefore it is important to know how melanoma skin cancer differs from a normal mole.
The American Cancer Society explains that the most significant warning sign of melanoma is a “new spot on the skin or a spot that is changing in size, shape or color.” Other important symptoms of melanoma include:
- Mole edges are irregular, jagged, rough or blurred
- The mole is larger than “the size of a pencil eraser”
- Melanoma is asymmetrical – one half of the mole does not look like the other half
- While normal moles are generally the same color all over, a cancerous mole may have varied pigmentation including shades of black, brown, pink, red, blue or white.
Viagra Melanoma Lawsuits – Failure to Warn
Since its FDA approval in 1998, Pfizer has vigorously marketed Viagra for ED and enhanced sexual performance. Did Pfizer know about a possible cancer risk? When did they know?
Our law firm handles claims alleging wrongful conduct on the part of Pfizer. Investigations are underway examining the possibility that during a time of huge prosperity, Pfizer was aware of melanoma risks associated with Viagra, yet withheld this critical information from consumers and medical professionals, thereby endangering the public.
Personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits have been filed against Pfizer for negligence, fraudulent misrepresentation, concealment, gross negligence, strict liability and other similar allegations.
Do You Have a Viagra Melanoma Lawsuit?
Marc Whitehead & Associates would like to hear from you. It is important that you speak with an experienced Viagra attorney to understand your options about acquiring the compensation that you or your family deserve.
Men who developed melanoma after taking Viagra may be entitled to file individual lawsuits against Pfizer to recover their medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, future medical expenses and other vital costs.
To find out if you have a case, please call us Toll Free at 855-423-3666 or request a free case evaluation here.
