An Oregon Viagra melanoma cancer lawyer can assist men who have been diagnosed with melanoma after taking the medication. Viagra is one of the most well-known pharmaceutical drugs on the market, however, the medication has been linked to an increased risk for the development of melanoma, a dangerous and deadly form of skin cancer. Affected men and their families may be able to file a lawsuit and seek compensation with the help of an Oregon Viagra melanoma cancer lawyer.
For more information, contact the Attorney Group for Oregon. 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 Oregon Viagra melanoma cancer lawyer who can assist you throughout the legal process.
What is Viagra?
One of the most prominently advertised drugs on the market, Viagra is most commonly used to treat men who suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED). Originally designed to treat hypertension and angina pectoris, early clinical studies demonstrated the drug’s ability to give male test subjects erections. Marketed and sold by pharmaceutical company Pfizer, Inc., Viagra is available by prescription only and is also sold under the brand name Revatio to treat pulmonary hypertension and improve exercise capacity in men and women.
How Does Viagra Work?
Viagra, also known as sildenafil citrate, is a type of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. According to the medication’s label, the inhibition of PDE5 causes increased levels of cGMP in the corpus cavernosum, resulting in smooth muscle relaxation and inflow of blood to the penis. When a man is sexually stimulated, Viagra works to help fill the penis with enough blood to cause an erection.
Viagra Side Effects
Like all medications, Viagra may cause some side effects. The most common side effects of Viagra include:
- Headache
- Flushing of the face
- Upset stomach
- Temporary changes in color vision
- Light-sensitive eyes
- Blurred vision
In rare cases, men taking PDE5 inhibitors, such as Viagra, have reported other serious risks, including:
- A sudden decrease or loss of vision in one or both eyes
- An erection lasting longer than four hours (if not treated, permanent damage to the penis can occur)
- Sudden loss or decrease in hearing, sometimes accompanied by ringing in the ears and dizziness
- Heart attack, stroke and irregular heartbeats
- Death
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Viagra may cause other side effects as well. Patients are advised to speak with their doctor or healthcare professional as soon as possible if they are concerned about any side effects or symptoms that occur when taking the drug.
Viagra and Melanoma
Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. When left undetected, melanoma can spread to other sites or organs in the body and can become very difficult to treat. According to the American Cancer Society, over 75,000 new melanomas will be diagnosed in 2016 (approximately 46,000 will occur in men), and over 10,000 people are expected to die from melanoma in 2016 (about 6,750 men).
Most cases of melanoma are usually linked to exposure to ultraviolet rays contained in natural sunlight and indoor tanning beds. According to Viagra melanoma cancer lawsuits, studies have shown that there may be an association between the development of melanoma and the use of Viagra.
In light of previous studies, a study published the JAMA Internal Medicine noted that, among over 25,000 participants, Viagra users had a significantly increased risk of invasive melanoma. Participants who had recently used the drug to treat ED exhibited an 84 percent elevated risk of developing melanoma.
Viagra Melanoma Cancer Lawsuit Claims
A number of lawsuits allege that the drug maker, Pfizer Inc., failed to adequately warn men about the risks associated with Viagra use and the development of melanoma. In April 2016, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) issued an order to consolidated all related claims to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. Consolidation of such claims can be a more efficient way of handling cases involving injuries caused by harmful pharmaceutical products.
How an Oregon 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 the Attorney Group for Oregon. 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.
