Lawyers Reviewing Melanoma Lawsuits for Viagra
The product liability lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are reviewing potential cases for men throughout the United States who have been diagnosed with a form of skin cancer known as melanoma after taking Viagra, a popular erectile dysfunction medication.
Contact Our Lawyers About a VIAGRA CANCER LAWSUIT
Research suggests that there is an association between side effects of Viagra and melanoma, with some studies finding that users of the medication may be 84% more likely to develop the serious and potentially deadly skin cancer.
It appears likely that Pfizer knew or should have known about the potential risk of skin cancer from Viagra, yet warnings were not provided to consumers or the medical community. As a result, financial compensation may be available through a Viagra melanoma lawsuit for former users and families throughout the United States.
To determine if you, a friend or family member may be eligible to pursue a lawsuit, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.
Viagra Melanoma Cancer Risks
Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is one of the best known brand-name medications, which was introduced by Pfizer in 1998 for men suffering from erectile dysfunction.
Amid aggressive direct-to-consumer marketing that promotes Viagra as a sexual aid and treatment for erectile dysfunction experienced by many men as they get older, Pfizer grew the medication into a blockbuster drug that generates more than $2 billion in annual sales.
However, it appears that Pfizer may have withheld critical information about the risk of melanoma from Viagra, as providing consumers and the medical community with warnings that the drug may cause skin cancer likely would have greatly reduced the number of men who would choose to take the drug for erectile dysfunction.
Although Pfizer has a duty to adequately research and study the potential risks associated with Viagra, information about the link to melanoma was not discovered by the independent medical community for more than 15 years after the drug was introduced.
In April 2014, a study published in the medical journal JAMA Internal Medicine found an association between melanoma and Viagra use, indicating that men taking the medication were 84% more likely to be diagnosed with the serious form of skin cancer compared to men not using the drug.
Researchers reviewed data involving more than 25,000 men who were followed for ten years. At least 142 men were diagnosed with melanoma, resulting in the conclusion that recent use of Viagra was “significantly associated with increased risk of melanoma.” Researchers excluded erectile dysfunction itself as a factor in the melanoma risk.
Additional studies have provided further insight into the link between Viagra and skin cancer, suggesting that the medication may create an atmosphere where melanoma is able to grow easier.
Failure to Warn Claims for Viagra Users
Pfizer had a duty to ensure the medication they sold was adequately studied and researched, as well as to provide appropriate warnings about the potential risk of skin cancer so that men could make an informed decision about whether to use Viagra.
Based on data available involving millions of men who have used Viagra, as well as targeted clinical trials conducted by the drug maker, Pfizer knew about the melanoma risk from Viagra, or certainly should have discovered the link.
It appears that the pharmaceutical company may have put their desire for profit before consumer safety by failing to provide appropriate Viagra melanoma warnings.
According to allegations raised in Viagra lawsuits being pursued on behalf of men throughout the United States, Pfizer has:
- Failed to Adequately Research the Side Effects of Viagra;
- Failed to Provide Sufficient Skin Cancer Warnings for Viagra Users, Which May Have Allowed Melanoma to be Diagnosed Earlier;
- Failed to Update the Viagra Warnings After It Became Clear Men Were More Likely to Develop Melanoma;
- Failed to Issue a Viagra Recall or Otherwise Ensure Men Using the Medication Were Aware of the Cancer Risk;
Viagra Cancer Class Action Lawyers
The Viagra lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are reviewing whether men diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer following use of the medication may be entitled to a financial settlement or recovery through litigation against Pfizer.
If proper warnings had been provided about the potential risk of melanoma from Viagra, many men may have avoided this diagnosis by electing not to take the prescription erectile dysfunction drug, or they may have been able to reduce the risk of avoid serious skin cancer by carefully monitoring for signs or symptoms of melanoma.
Potential Viagra settlements may be available through class action lawsuits and individual melanoma lawsuits filed by men throughout the United States.
There are never any out-of-pocket costs associated with hiring our lawyers, as we only receive an attorney fee or expenses if you win. However, all Viagra cancer lawsuits do have a statute of limitations, or deadline that requires any legal claim be filed by a certain date. Therefore, it is important that any potential Viagra melanoma case be reviewed as soon as possible to ensure that your legal rights are protected.