Since Viagra burst onto the pharmaceutical market in 1998, the drug has earned its manufacturer, Pfizer, billions of dollars and has become a best-seller. Viagra was the first drug of its kind meant to treat erectile dysfunction and millions of men purchased the drug to assist with sexual encounters. Unfortunately, many men also suffered some serious side effects from taking Viagra.
Link between Viagra and melanoma
Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer. A medical study published in 2014 found that taking Viagra substantially increased a man's risk of developing melanoma and that men had an increased risk even after discontinuing use of the drug. Prognosis and survival rates of melanoma largely depend on when the cancer is detected. For example, individuals diagnosed with stage I melanoma have over a 90 percent chance to survive for at least five years, while individuals diagnosed with stage VI melanoma have only a 15 to 20 percent chance of surviving for five years. As melanoma progresses into stage VI, it can spread to lymph nodes and major organs.
Even if an individual survives melanoma, they still have to undergo costly and painful treatments to be cancer-free. Treatment for melanoma can include:
- Biopsies of the skin
- Surgery
- Radiation treatment
- Chemotherapy
These treatments can cause serious illness and physical symptoms in addition to the emotional toll that a cancer battle can cause. Many victims have begun to file legal claims against Pfizer for marketing and selling a dangerous drug and failing to adequately warn of the risks of melanoma.
Other potentially dangerous side effects of Viagra
Pfizer is not unfamiliar with facing lawsuits stemming from harmful side effects of Viagra. In past years, many legal claims have been filed regarding the following additional dangerous conditions:
- Cardiac events, including heart attack and stroke
- Sudden vision loss due to blocked blood flow to the optic nerve
- Partial or complete hearing loss
If you have taken Viagra and are diagnosed with melanoma or another serious condition related to the drug, the Viagra attorneys at Michigan Injury Lawyers can protect your rights and help you obtain the financial recovery you deserve. Call us today at (888) 454-0801 to arrange a free consultation to discuss your case.