A Pennsylvania Viagra melanoma cancer lawyer may be able to help men who were diagnosed with melanoma after taking the drug. Lawsuits allege that the popular medication used to treat erectile dysfunction has been linked to serious and dangerous side effects and risks, including the increased risk of developing melanoma. Affected patients and their families may be eligible to file a lawsuit and recover compensation for their injuries with the help of a Pennsylvania Viagra melanoma cancer lawyer.
Fuze/ThinkstockFor more information, contact Attorney Group for Pennsylvania 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 is a commonly prescribed medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), a condition in which a man cannot get or maintain an erection adequate enough for sexual intercourse. Problems associated with ED become more common as a man gets older, however, ED can affect a man at any age.
Viagra works by inhibiting the production and discharge of PDE5 and allows blood to flow in the smooth muscle cells lining the blood vessels in the penis. PDE5 inhibitors such as Viagra are ineffective without sexual stimulation.
Viagra Side Effects
When taken as prescribed, Viagra may cause patients to experience some adverse reactions and side effects. The most commonly reported side effects include:
- Headache
- Stomach ache or upset stomach
- Flushing
- Nasal congestion
- Abnormal vision
- Back pain
- Dizziness
- Rash
Viagra and Melanoma
Melanoma is a serious, potentially deadly form of skin cancer that develops in the pigment cells called melanocytes. If melanoma is caught early, most instances can be cured with relatively minor surgery, however, if the disease is left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body and cause serious illnesses and possibly death.
Studies, including a study published in the JAMA Internal Medicine, have sought to evaluate the association between the use of Viagra and the risk of developing melanoma in men in the United States. In the prospective study of nearly 26,000 men, those who used sildenafil (Viagra) to treat ED had a statistically elevated risk of melanoma. The study indicated over 3,500 documented cases of skin cancer, including 142 cases of melanoma.
Previous studies published in 2011 and 2012 found that treatment with Viagra can possibly promote melanoma cell invasion as well as the promotion of melanin synthesis. While studies have not confirmed that Viagra directly causes the development of melanoma, there is an indication of an increased risk of the disease in patients who have taken the medication to treat ED.
Other Viagra Risks
Other serious risks have been linked to the use of Viagra when used to treat ED. Those risks include:
- A potential for cardiac risk of sexual activity, particularly in men with preexisting cardiovascular disease
- Prolonged and painful erection lasting longer than four hours
- Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, a condition known as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION)
- Sudden decrease or loss of hearing, and in some cases, accompanied by ringing in the ears and dizziness
Viagra Melanoma Cancer Lawsuits
Pfizer Inc., the maker of Viagra, currently faces several Viagra melanoma cancer lawsuits in multiple states. Lawsuits allege that the makers of Viagra knew or should have known that Viagra could potentially lead to a significantly increased risk of developing melanoma. Despite this knowledge, however, Pfizer Inc. continued and still continues to market the drug.
As a result of the lawsuits allegations against Pfizer Inc., the plaintiff was caused to suffer injuries from melanoma that are permanent and lasting in nature, physical pain and mental anguish, including the diminished enjoyment of life as well as the need for lifelong medical care and treatment.
How a Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania. 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.
