A Minnesota Viagra melanoma cancer lawyer can help men who were diagnosed with skin cancer after taking the drug. Lawsuits allege a link between the widely prescribed erectile dysfunction medication and the development of melanoma, which is an invasive and often fatal form of skin cancer. Affected men and their families are seeking compensation for injuries and death with the help of a Minnesota Viagra melanoma cancer lawyer.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Minnesota. 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 Minnesota Viagra melanoma cancer lawyer who can assist you throughout the legal process.
What is Viagra?
Viagra is often referred to as “the little blue pill” and is most commonly used by men between 40 and 60 years of age to treat erectile dysfunction. MedicineNet points out that there can be many underlying health causes that contribute to impotence, including conditions of the patient’s mental, urological and circulatory function or even diabetes. By relaxing the blood vessels, Viagra and other similar medications allow an increase in blood flow to the penile area for an easier erection and heightened stimulation.
According to MedicineNet, manufacturers of the drug recommend seeing a doctor for any sudden side effects associated with the medication. Some side effects are of a more serious nature, such as changes in hearing and vision. More common effects include ailments of the gastrointestinal system, such as nausea, diarrhea and stomach pain, as well as urinary tract infections. Dizziness and headaches can also occur and some patients have developed rashes and nasal congestion.
How Does Melanoma Occur?
Housed beneath the skin are millions of cells that produce melanin and determine a person’s specific skin color. The Mayo Clinic states that when radiation or other factors cause damage, the normal order in the life cycle of the cell is disrupted. While some things about melanoma have been determined, researchers and doctors are still searching for causes. What is known is that the cancerous mass forms when there is an overproduction of new cells. This prevents old cells from being sloughed off or pushed up to the skin’s surface by the new cells.
One of these is increased exposure to ultraviolet radiation, either from tanning beds or the sun. This is believed to be the strongest factor in determining cancer risk. People who live near the equator and other places that are closest to the sun seem to be at a higher risk than those who are farther away. There are also people who develop melanoma in areas of their bodies that aren’t exposed to the sun. They’ve determined that cases such as these are the result of a family history of the disease or abnormal mole growth.
Viagra and Melanoma
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, in a 2000 Health Professionals’ Follow-up study, 25,848 men who had been prescribed Viagra were questioned about their use of the drug. Over the next few years, the men were questioned again about various aspects of their health, including the development of any health conditions since the initial 2000 date. This follow-up study produced the following data in regards to skin cancer:
- 3030 cases of basal cell cancer
- 142 cases of melanoma
- 580 cases of squamous cell cancer
The study, which was conducted by the dermatology departments of several prominent medical schools and teaching hospitals, concluded that there was an increased risk of skin cancer development in Viagra users.
Viagra and Melanoma Research
After reviewing cases of Viagra patients who have developed melanoma, researchers have found that there seems to be a stronger correlation between the two than was previously realized. In fact, NBC News reports that men who were not taking the drug were found to have an 84 percent lower risk of melanoma than men who were using Viagra.
Other risk factors, such as immune system strength, previous cancer, hereditary genes and UV exposure at the patient’s location, were addressed in the findings and did not change the outcomes of the study. Doctors have discovered that the drug may be to blame because it works on the same molecular level that is affected when the DNA structure of the skin cells becomes damaged and unable to control cell growth.
How a Minnesota 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 Viagra 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 Minnesota. 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.
