A California Viagra melanoma cancer lawyer may be able to help men who were diagnosed with melanoma after taking the drug. Men who take Viagra to treat erectile dysfunction may discover that the drug also increases their risk of developing melanoma, the most dangerous and fatal form of skin cancer. Affected patients and their families may be eligible to file a lawsuit and recover compensation for their injuries with the help of a California Viagra melanoma cancer lawyer.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for California today. Our consultations are free, confidential and without any obligation on your part. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a claim we can connect you with an affiliated Viagra melanoma cancer lawyer who can assist you throughout the legal process.
What is Viagra?
Viagra was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1998 for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). After its approval, the prescription drug became widely popular and began generating billions of dollars for its manufacturer, Pfizer, Inc.
Viagra works by increasing the amount of blood flow to the penis in order to help men get and sustain an erection. Viagra typically works for about two to three hours, however, the drug has been known to last for up to five. Factors such as age, diet, alcohol use, dosage, health issues, and other drug interactions could determine how long the drug will work and its effectiveness.
Viagra Side Effects
Common side effects of Viagra include:
- Upset stomach
- Back pain
- Headache
- Abnormal vision such as changes in color vision and blurred vision
- Muscle pain
- Flushing
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Nausea
Viagra may also cause serious side effects, including sudden vision loss in one or both eyes and sudden decrease in hearing or hearing loss.
Viagra and Melanoma
A study published in the JAMA Internal Medicine claims to have linked Viagra with an increased risk of developing melanoma. According to the study, men who were cancer-free were asked whether they had used Viagra or been treated for erectile dysfunction. Of the nearly 26,000 men who participated in the questionnaire, 5.3 percent reported Viagra use in the previous months, and 6.3 percent reported having taken Viagra at some point in their lives.
For the following ten years, researchers continued to track the men and found that any use of Viagra could potentially increase the risk of melanoma by as much as 84 percent. Although the data indicates a possible link, researchers note that more studies are needed to establish a direct correlation between the use of Viagra and melanoma.
Other Viagra Risks
In rare cases, a serious medication condition known as priapism may occur. Priapism is a long-lasting, painful erection that can last for several hours. The condition develops when blood in the penis becomes trapped and is unable to be released. Men who experience an erection lasting longer than four hours are advised to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Men who take nitrates, medications used for treating or preventing chest pain caused by heart disease, or guanylate cyclase stimulators for pulmonary hypertension should not take Viagra because blood pressure may drop to unsafe levels.
Viagra Melanoma Cancer Lawsuits
Several Viagra melanoma cancer lawsuits have been filed, including lawsuits filed in California in March and May 2016. These lawsuits allege that studies have shown that the cellular activity providing the mechanism of action is potentially associated with the development and/or exacerbation of melanoma. As a result of the possible development of melanoma, men who take Viagra may be placed at a significant health risk.
According to the lawsuit filed in May, the plaintiff had a biopsy and the pathology report confirmed malignant melanoma. As a result, the lawsuit claims that the plaintiff suffered severe and permanent physical and emotional injuries in addition to economic loss, including the cost of medical care and treatment.
How a California Viagra Melanoma Cancer Lawyer Can Help
Drug makers have a duty to provide safe products. If there are risks of harm associated with their products, they also must provide adequate warnings. If a drug maker fails to fulfill this duty, it could be held liable in lawsuits for injuries that may result.
People injured by bad drugs may be eligible to recover money for:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
The families of those who have died may be eligible to recover money for funeral expenses and the pain that comes with losing a loved one.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for California.
After you contact us, an attorney will follow up to answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
