A Missouri Viagra melanoma cancer lawyer may be able to help men who took the medication and developed melanoma. Popular for its use as a treatment option for erectile dysfunction, Viagra has been alleged to cause a fatal form of skin cancer known as melanoma. Affected men and their families may be eligible to file a lawsuit with the help of a Missouri Viagra melanoma cancer lawyer and recover compensation for their injuries.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Missouri. 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 Missouri Viagra melanoma cancer lawyer who can assist you throughout the legal process.
What is Viagra?
Viagra is prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Viagra works by inhibiting phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5), an enzyme that may impact blood flow to the penis. When taken as prescribed, Viagra helps men achieve an erection with the help of sexual stimulation.
Viagra Side Effects
While the makers of Viagra, Pfizer, do not currently note melanoma as a risk of taking the pharmaceutical, there are a number of side effects the manufacturer does mention. Common side effects of Viagra include:
- Flushing
- Headache
- Upset stomach
- Muscle pain
- Nausea
- Abnormal vision
There is also a chance that users may experience altered color vision. Serious yet uncommon side effects of the drug can include an unexpected loss or decrease in hearing, unexpected blindness in one or both eyes, and a prolonged erection. If people have suffered a stroke, experienced problems with their heart or have vision issues, they should make sure that their doctor knows about these conditions before they take the prescription drug.
What is Melanoma?
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), melanoma is one of the most serious forms of cancer. It may occur in both women and men. Melanoma begins in the cells found in the epidermis known as melanocytes. While other types of skin cancer can start in the other two types of cells on the epidermis, basal cells and squamous cells, its increased risk of spreading if undiagnosed makes melanoma the most threatening. The ACS estimates that melanoma will be diagnosed in over 46,000 men in 2016, and over 6,500 of men diagnosed will die from the disease.
Viagra and Melanoma
The National Center for Biotechnology Information shared a study that showed evidence that sildenafil increases an individual’s risk of melanoma by boosting the invasive capabilities of cancer cells. Researchers found 142 cases of melanoma in the study, which involved more than 25,500 men. While the study was not enough to change clinical recommendations, there was enough evidence to recommend further study.
Viagra Cancer Lawsuit Claims
Men who have taken Viagra and were later diagnosed with melanoma cancer have begun filing Viagra lawsuits. Men who believe their melanoma was caused by their use of Viagra claim Pfizer, the drug maker, should have been more diligent in warning users of the potentially cancerous side effects of the drug. With knowledge of such harmful reactions, plaintiffs claim that they would have sought treatment for their erectile dysfunction elsewhere. While there are other drugs prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction, none of them have been linked with causing melanoma at this time.
In addition to men, spouses of men who died from complications with melanoma while taking Viagra have also filed lawsuits. In one such suit, a widow stated that her late husband would not have used Viagra as much if he had been aware of its ties to deadly skin cancer. Allegations brought against Pfizer in such suits include breach of implied and express warranty, negligence, fraud and violation of consumer protection laws.
How a Missouri 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 Missouri. 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.
