A Mississippi Viagra melanoma cancer lawyer may be able to help men who were diagnosed with melanoma after taking the medication to treat erectile dysfunction. Viagra, one of the most widely prescribed drugs in the United States, has been associated with an increased risk of developing melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer. 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 Mississippi Viagra melanoma cancer lawyer.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Mississippi 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?
Viagra, the brand name for sildenafil citrate, is a type of prescription medication used most often to treat symptoms related to erectile dysfunction (ED). Viagra may also be used to treat high blood pressure in the lungs, a condition known as pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Viagra works by increasing blood flow to the penis so that men who suffer from ED can get and maintain an erection long enough for sexual activity. Although individual results may vary, the drug is intended to treat men with all degrees of ED.
Viagra and Melanoma
Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer and occurs when the pigment-producing cells that give color to the skin become cancerous. In some cases, melanoma has the potential to rapidly spread to other areas of the body, resulting in serious, life-threatening complications and even death.
In April 2014, the JAMA Internal Medicine published a study linking Viagra to an 84 percent increased risk of the development of melanoma. Researchers analyzed data from almost 26,000 male healthcare workers to determine whether the use of Viagra had an effect on the development and spread on certain types of cancer, including melanoma.
Between 2000 and 2010, researchers discovered more than 3,500 cases of skin cancer, including 142 cases of melanoma. Although the study does not necessarily prove that Viagra causes melanoma, it does suggest the need for further research and study.
Viagra Side Effects
Side effects of Viagra include:
- Warmth or redness in the face, neck, or chest
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Headaches
- Stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea
- Inability to differentiate between the colors green and blue
- Loss of hearing, ringing in the ears, and dizziness
Other Viagra Risks
In addition to the common side effects associated with Viagra, the medication has been associated with other serious risks and complications, including:
- Symptoms related to serious heart conditions including severe dizziness, fainting, chest/jaw/left arm pain, and nausea
- Sudden decrease in vision, including permanent blindness, occurring in one or both eyes
- Painful or prolonged erection lasting more than four hours
- Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including rash; itching or swelling of the tongue, face, or throat; severe dizziness; or difficulty breathing
Viagra Melanoma Cancer Lawsuits
Men who have used Viagra to treat may want to consider pursuing claims against Pfizer Inc., the maker of Viagra, to recover compensation for their injuries. In May 2016, a Viagra melanoma cancer lawsuit was filed in California. According to the lawsuit, studies have shown that the cellular activity providing the method of action for Viagra is possibly associated with the development and/or exacerbation of melanoma.
The lawsuit references several studies, including the JAMA study published in 2014. The lawsuit alleges that Pfizer knew as early as 1998 that there were people who dropped out of clinical studies due to the development of carcinoma, including melanoma, after taking Viagra as part of those studies. As a direct result of Pfizer’s negligence and wrongful conduct, the lawsuit claims that plaintiff suffered severe and permanent physical and emotional injuries.
How a Mississippi 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 Pursue a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Mississippi. 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.