A Louisiana Viagra Melanoma Cancer lawsuit may be an option for men who were diagnosed with skin cancer after taking the drug. Men who suffer from erectile dysfunction are often prescribed drugs such as Viagra to treat their condition. Although Viagra has been one of the most commonly prescription medications used, it has been linked to an increased risk of developing melanoma. Men who have developed melanoma and their families may be eligible to pursue a claim against the drug manufacturer to seek compensation for their injuries with the help of a Louisiana Viagra melanoma cancer lawyer.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Louisiana 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 and How Does It Work?
Sildenafil citrate, most commonly known by the brand name Viagra, is one of the most well-known prescription medications used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Manufactured and marketed by Pfizer, Inc., Viagra was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1998. Known commonly as “the little blue pill,” Pfizer’s 2013 annual report states that the company accumulated revenue exceeding $1.8 billion from worldwide sales of Viagra.
Viagra treats erectile dysfunction by inhibiting the secretion of PDE5, an enzyme found in the tissues of the penis. When this enzyme is inhibited, muscles in the penis are able to relax, allowing a man to get an erection.
Viagra and Melanoma Studies
Research published in the JAMA Internal Medicine in 2014 indicates that there is an association between the use of Viagra and an increased risk of the development of melanoma. The study suggests that men who take the drug may be 84 percent more likely to develop the potentially deadly type of skin cancer.
Researchers gathered and reviewed data acquired from more than 25,000 men who were followed in the study from 2000 to 2010. Based on the results of the study, researchers found that at least 142 patients had received a melanoma cancer diagnosis, and the authors of the study noted that recent use of the medication was related to an increased risk of melanoma.
Viagra Side Effects
According to the FDA, the most common side effects of Viagra include:
- Abnormal vision
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Nausea
- Flushing
- Back pain
- Dizziness
- Upset stomach
Other Viagra Risks
In addition to common, less severe side effects, men who take Viagra for the treatment of ED should be aware of the following adverse risks:
- Cardiac risk during or after sexual activity, particularly in patients with a preexisting condition for cardiovascular disease
- Prolonged erection lasting longer than four hours as well as a condition known as priapism, a painful erection lasting longer than six hours in duration
- Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, which may be a sign of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION)
- Sudden decrease or loss of hearing, sometimes accompanied by ringing in the ears or dizziness
Viagra Melanoma Cancer Lawsuits
According to Viagra melanoma cancer lawsuits file in 2015 and 2016, Pfizer, Inc., the maker of Viagra, is obligated to ensure that its product was adequately researched and studied as well as provide warnings regarding any risks or side effects that could affect the decision of consumers. However, lawsuits allege that the maker of the drug failed to do so.
In April 2016, plaintiffs in several lawsuits moved to centralize litigation in the Northern District of California. A transfer request notes that centralization will serve the convenience of all parties to promote the just and efficient conduct of the litigation, as these actions rely on the same studies regarding the alleged link between the use of Viagra and melanoma to support their claims.
How a Louisiana Viagra Melanoma Cancer Lawsuit 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 Pursue a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Louisiana. 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.
