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Viagra, taken by more than 23 million men since 1998 for erectile dysfunction, may increase their risk of developing melanoma—the most deadly form of skin cancer. This was discovered in June 2014, when researchers found that men who took Viagra were 84% more likely to develop melanoma compared to men who never took the drug. Our team of Viagra lawyers is currently investigating cases involving melanoma development from this drug.
The 2014 study analyzed data from nearly 26,000 men with an average age of 65, who completed health and lifestyle questionnaires every two years beginning in 2000. Of the 1,600 men who took Viagra during that time, 14 developed melanoma. That’s a rate of 8.6 cases per 1,000 patients. The group of participants who never took Viagra developed melanoma at half that rate.
Overall, the study found that there is up to an 84% increased risk of melanoma in consumers who take Viagra, confirming two earlier studies that linked Viagra to melanoma.
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We have developed a national reputation for building successful cases against pharmaceutical companies. We represent clients in high-stakes drug injury lawsuits, providing for their medical expenses, lifelong care, and financial security. With over 50 years of combined experience, our team partners with leading litigators to represent clients in all 50 states.
Our compassionate attorneys can travel to you to prepare your case. Using a partnership approach, our clients benefit from the skill and resources of two powerhouse firms instead of one.
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How “The Little Blue Pill” Can Lead to Skin Cancer
Pfizer’s best-selling drug increases blood flow to genitalia by blocking certain enzymes called PDE-5A. Blocking these enzymes causes cells to increase production of melanin, which then signals melanoma cancer cells to form and spread.
In other words, Viagra affects cell-to-cell signaling pathways that dramatically increase the invasiveness of melanoma cells. Skin cancer that spreads to other parts of the body is life threatening, as it incredibly difficult to treat.
Importantly, Viagra is not associated with an increased risk of other forms of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma It is unknown whether other erectile dysfunction drugs—like Cialis or Levitra—are similarly linked to melanoma.
Researchers do not yet know whether temporary or long-term Viagra use has differing effects on melanoma risk. Regardless of the cause, a melanoma diagnosis can take a serious toll on patients’ finances and quality of life.
Melanoma treatments include biopsies, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, along with time away from work and substantial stress. Filing a legal claim can help you and your family recover from the economic and emotional damages of a cancer diagnosis.
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Revatio Risks
Viagra’s generic name, sildenafil, is also sold under a different brand name: Revatio. Revatio is used to treat pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs), but they operate using identical biomechanical principles. Both sildenafil drugs are vasodilators, widening blood vessels to increase blood flow. This results in low blood pressure for Revatio patients and more frequent and longer-lasting erections for Viagra patients.
While there have not been definitive studies on the role of Revatio in melanoma development, both Revatio and Viagra are PDE-5A inhibitors—if Viagra users develop melanoma as a result of PDE-5A inhibition, then Revatio users would also be at risk.
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Melanoma Lawsuits
There is no warning on Viagra’s labels regarding the risk of melanoma. Patients have begun filing lawsuits against Pfizer for failing to warn the public about the potential for this deadly skin cancer. This is not the first set of injury lawsuits filed against Viagra. Lawsuits are also pending against Viagra in relations to heart attacks, stroke, hearing and vision problems.
Nearly 10,000 people pass away from melanoma in the United States each year, the majority of whom are men. Although the exact cause is not clear, exposure to UV radiation from sunlight or tanning beds increases the risk of developing melanoma. Among the men in the 2014 study, Viagra use was correlated with other lifestyle factors that may increase the risk of skin cancer, such as severe sunburns
If you or someone close to you took Viagra and developed melanoma, contact our firm for a free case review. Our team of Viagra attorneys will help you determine if you have a legal claim against the manufacturer. If you pursue a claim with us, we shoulder all the upfront costs of your case, so you can focus on your health. We only receive a fee if we win your case, so there’s no risk in calling. Contact us at (800) 316-2828 today.
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