Studies have shown that there is a significant correlation between recent users of sildenafil (Viagra) and development of melanoma. In fact, one study of 26,000 men showed that sildenafil users were at almost twice the risk for melanoma compared to those who have never taken the drug. An article by MedPage Today details the findings of the study.
The study, conducted at the Indiana University School of Public Health, identified an 84 percent increased risk of developing melanoma after taking sildenafil. Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. As a control, it was also found that erectile dysfunction, in and of itself, was not correlated with melanoma risk. It was heavily stressed that this study does not imply causality in any way and would require further, more rigorous investigation to do so.
Sildenafil is part of a drug class known as PDE5A inhibitors. Even if the study does not imply causality, it does provide the grounds for further investigation of PDE5A inhibitor effect on skin conditions.
The survey was conducted on 25,848 men with an average age of 64.8. Of this group, 5.3 percent reported recent sildenafil use and 6.3 percent reported having used the drug at some time in the past. It was also noted that the sildenafil use had no effect on the development of other forms of skin cancer.
The adverse effects of drugs are often omitted or understated by pharmaceutical companies. Whether it is the result of a genuinely unknown effect, or one that was hidden to maintain drug sales, it is often the consumer that bears the burden. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with melanoma after using the prescription medication Viagra, your losses may be compensable through a Viagra skin cancer lawsuit. Call the Lopez McHugh Viagra lawyers to discuss your case with an experienced attorney.
