Viagra, generically known as Sildenafil citrate, was originally discovered by Pfizer scientists in the 1990’s and was quickly approved by the FDA in 1998 primarily to treat erectile dysfunction. It was heavily marketed towards middle-aged men with the promise of renewed vitality and improved sex life. It has since been prescribed to more than 35 million men worldwide and has become the standard treatment for men with difficulty maintaining an erection.
Yet a recent study has cast a dark light on this popular drug. Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health have found that men taking Viagra may be up to 84% more likely to develop a very serious form of skin cancer known as melanoma.
The national dangerous drug attorneys at Golomb & Honik are currently investigating Viagra cancer claims. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with melanoma after using Viagra, call us at 1-800-355-3300 or 1-215-985-9177 immediately to evaluate your case. See our blog for more details.
The History of Viagra
When British scientists working at Pfizer developed Viagra, it was initially studied for use as a hypertension medication and an angina pectoris medication. When the first clinical trials began, it was discovered that the drug didn’t work well for angina, but it could induce marked penile erections—and thus Viagra was born. Patented in 1996 and approved for use in 1998, Viagra quickly became a household name and a goldmine for Pfizer pharmaceuticals. Annual sales of Viagra in 2008 were just shy of $2 billion U.S. dollars.
Viagra Linked to Melanoma
While Viagra has been linked to serious side effects, such as severe eye problems, retinal damage, hearing loss, cardiovascular issues, strokes, and blood clots, it was not linked to cancer—until now. In 2000, researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health interviewed 26,000 men with erectile dysfunction who were taking Viagra for their condition. They logged vital information about their family health histories, history of moles, history of cancers, and sun exposure, and then followed these men for the next decade.
When the data was compiled, researchers were looking to see if the use of Viagra increased the risk of men developing skin cancer, either squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, or melanoma. The results showed that men who took Viagra were 2x more likely to develop melanoma and recent users were more likely to be diagnosed with an invasive melanoma. The risk of developing other types of skin cancers was not elevated.
While more research needs to be done, the science behind why Viagra may increase melanoma production is sound.
What is Melanoma?
Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer and it is caused by mutations in the skin cells that lead to the formation of malignant tumors. Intense UV exposure and frequent sunburns cause melanoma development—especially in those people, who have a genetic predisposition to the disease. The American Cancer Society estimates that 120,000 new cases of melanoma are diagnosed every year—and sadly, every year nearly 9,000 people will lose their lives to melanoma. If diagnosed early, however, it is almost always curable.
Know the Melanoma Warning Signs
If you have taken Viagra, it is important to monitor your skin closely for the signs of melanoma. Be sure to examine your moles closely and watch for any changes in your skin. It is also best to be examined by a dermatologist yearly. To catch melanoma early, everyone should know the warning signs:
- Asymmetry
- Irregular Border
- Unusual color or uneven color
- Larger in diameter more than 6mm
- Changes in size, shape, or color
- Bleeding, itching, or crusting lesions
National Dangerous Drug Lawyers
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with melanoma after using Viagra, you may be able to file a lawsuit. To learn more about your legal options or to schedule a free consultation call the Philadelphia product liability lawyers at Golomb & Honik today at 1-800-355-3300 or 1-215-985-9177 or fill out our confidential Contact Form.
The national dangerous drug lawyers at Golomb & Honik have successfully represented individuals in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and throughout the United States.
