The Food and Drug Administration has approved Viagra for use. However, this does not mean that the drug is entirely safe. It is the responsibility of the manufacturer to research the drug in order to identify possible side effects, interactions, complications and other such issues. Unfortunately, pharmaceutical companies are often in a hurry to release their drugs, so adequate research isn't always performed. Likewise, since drug manufacturers exist to make a profit, they are often hesitant to release negative information about their products, even after it has been confirmed.
Side Effects and Concerns
Like most drugs, Viagra comes with some unwanted side effects. The most common side effects of Viagra include:
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Sneezing
- Headache
- Flushing
- Difficulty breathing
- Nosebleeds
- Muscle aches
- Sleep disturbances
Unfortunately, research suggests that Viagra can also lead to some dangerous and potentially-fatal conditions as well. Pfizer has already faced legal action for some of these issues, including sudden drops in blood pressure, blindness, cardiac events, eye stroke and sudden death. Most recently, a possible link between Viagra and the skin cancer Melanoma has come to light.
The Dangers of Melanoma
Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It develops in the melanocytes, which are the cells in the body that produce the pigment melanin. These cells are found in the lower part of the epidermis, which is the outermost layer of the skin. In rare cases, melanoma may also develop in the internal organs and eyes.
According to the Mayo Clinic:
"Melanoma occurs when something goes awry in the melanin-producing cells (melanocytes) that give color to your skin.
Normally, skin cells develop in a controlled and orderly way — healthy new cells push older cells toward your skin's surface, where they die and eventually fall off. But when some cells develop DNA damage, new cells may begin to grow out of control and can eventually form a mass of cancerous cells." (From the Mayo Clinic, sourced 5/18/2015). If you or a loved one is experiencing the symptoms of melanoma or any other medical issue, and you believe there might be a connection to Viagra usage, please contact a doctor immediately for evaluation and treatment.
What are the causes and treatments for the deadly skin cancer Melanoma? We will discuss this, in depth, in our next post.
If you would like to explore the possibility of bringing legal action to obtain compensation for a melanoma related to Viagra usage, please contact the experienced attorneys at Marc Whitehead & Associates, LLP at (855)-423-3666 to discuss your options.
For more information regarding the link between Viagra and the deadly skin cancer Melanoma, please download a free copy of our e-book, Viagra, The Unvarnished Truth-How The Link Between the Deadly Skin Cancer Melanoma and Viagra.