An Indiana Viagra melanoma cancer lawyer can assist men who developed melanoma after taking Viagra to treat erectile dysfunction. For many couples, a healthy sexual relationship is essential to maintaining a loving and meaningful connection, however, some men find that as they age, they are no longer able to perform the same way. In some cases, men who suffer from erectile dysfunction may take Viagra to help them keep and maintain an erection. Despite the drug’s popularity, it has been linked to an increased risk of the development of melanoma, a fatal form of skin cancer. Affected patients and their families may be able to file a lawsuit with the help of an Indiana Viagra melanoma cancer lawyer and recover compensation.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Indiana. We offer free, confidential, no obligation consultations. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a case we can connect you with an affiliated Indiana Viagra melanoma cancer lawyer who can assist you throughout the legal process.
What is Viagra and How Does It Work?
Generically known as sildenafil, Viagra is a prescription drug used to treat erectile dysfunction. In most instances, an erection occurs when the penis is engorged by an increase of blood flow to the area. However, men who suffer from impotence are unable to maintain an erection adequate for sexual activity, often due to underlying medical, urological, neurological or psychological conditions. In such cases, Viagra may be prescribed by physicians to improve a man’s ability to obtain and sustain an erection.
Viagra is part of a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase inhibitors, or PDE-5 inhibitors. These drugs work by preventing the release of an enzyme called phosphodiesterase. During an erection, nitric oxide is released into the penis, which then activates an enzyme to produce cyclic guanosine monophosphate. The cGMP is what allows excess blood to flow into the penis, causing the erection. If PDE-5 is released too soon, it destroys cGMP. By inhibiting PDE-5, Viagra permits cGMP to build up and remain for a longer period of time.
What Is Melanoma?
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, melanoma is one of several types of skin cancer, but is the deadliest. If detected early and treated right away, melanoma can often be cured. However, if it goes undiagnosed for too long, it can spread and metastasize in the body, and result in death. Over 10,000 people die from melanoma skin cancer every year.
Melanoma is most frequently caused by sun exposure, as the UV rays can lead to mutations that turn into malignant tumors. Those with fair skin and hair, or who have a family history of melanoma are at an even greater risk of developing the cancer during their lifetime.
Viagra and Melanoma
Recent studies have found a potential link between the use of Viagra and melanoma. According to a 2016 study published in Cell Reports, the drug’s ability to inhibit PDE-5 and increase cGMP could result in the increased growth of malignant melanoma cells in men who take Viagra, especially those who spend a lot of time in the sun.
A separate study published in JAMA Internal Medicine in 2014 looked at a group of 25,000 men over 10 years. The researchers surveyed the subjects, inquiring about family history of skin cancer as well as frequency of sun exposure. After tracking instances of skin cancer over the 10-year period, the researchers found that those men who took Viagra had a higher rate of melanomas than those who did not.
Viagra Melanoma Cancer Lawsuit Claims
Pfizer, the manufacturer of Viagra, currently faces numerous lawsuits from plaintiffs across the country. In one such lawsuit, a man alleges that Pfizer actually knew of the increased risk of melanoma caused by taking the drug, but that the drug-maker failed to provide any information to both medical professionals and those prescribed the drug. The plaintiff was prescribed Viagra as a treatment for his erectile dysfunction in 2008 and was diagnosed with melanoma just four years later.
How an Indiana 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.
The Time You Have to File a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Indiana. You can fill out the form on this page or contact us by phone or email.
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.
