Viagra Skin Cancer Injury Lawyers
Blockbuster erectile dysfunction drug, Viagra (sildenafil citrate), obtained FDA approval in 1998. More than 22 million men have been prescribed Viagra according to the drug’s manufacturer, Pfizer Inc. Viagra holds approximately 45% share of the market for erectile dysfunction drugs, an industry that is globally valued near $4 billion.
Viagra Melanoma Risks
The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) published a study conducted by Li W et al., related to sildenafil use and an increased risk of melanoma skin cancer in men in June 2014. The study focused on more than 25,000 men and identified the incidence of skin cancers including melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma through self-reported questionnaires. The study found men taking sildenafil (Viagra) had nearly twice the risk of developing melanoma. Researchers noted that erectile dysfunction itself was not associated with an increased risk of melanoma.
Viagra is a phosphodiesterase (PDE) 5A inhibitor. In simple terms, the drug lowers PDE5A levels which can increase the presence and growth of melanoma cancer cells.
Scientists reason that more research is needed to understand the link between Viagra use and melanoma skin cancer.
Viagra Melanoma Lawsuit
Some men who have taken Viagra to treat their erectile dysfunction have been diagnosed with melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. The five-year survival rate for stage IV melanoma is around 15%-20%, with a 10-year survival rate between 10%-15%. Early detection is key as the stage 1A melanoma 5-year survival rate is near 97%.
Our product liability attorneys are investigating claims from men who have taken Viagra and have been diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer. If you or someone you care about was prescribed Viagra and was diagnosed with melanoma, contact us for a free case evaluation. Our attorneys have experience litigating claims against large corporations and pharmaceutical manufacturers in drug recall lawsuits and product liability matters.
