A study published in the April 2014 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association Internal Medicine indicates that there may be a link between the popular erectile dysfunction drug Viagra and skin cancer. Viagra, also known as sildenafil citrate, is a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction, a condition that occurs in men in which they are unable to obtain or maintain an erection. The study indicates that men who had used Viagra had an approximately 84 percent greater risk of developing melanoma, an extremely dangerous form of skin cancer.
Approximately 75,000 people are diagnosed with melanoma in the United States each year, and some 10,000 people die of the disease. Doctors have explained that Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis all work by inhibiting a gene that is related to melanoma, and recommend increased screening for men who use Viagra.
The increased risk from Viagra held true, even after the authors adjusted for common risk factors, such as sun exposure and family history. There was no increased risk for men with erectile dysfunction who did not take Viagra.
Potential Damages Available in a Viagra Skin Cancer Lawsuit
People who develop melanoma may require intensive medical treatment and lose income from missed work. In addition, there are many non-economic injuries associated with skin cancer, including pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, and emotional distress. These and other losses may be compensable through a Viagra skin cancer lawsuit. If you believe that you may have been injured by taking Viagra, call Lopez McHugh to discuss your case with an experienced attorney.
