Viagra FAQ

What is Viagra?

Viagra (generic: sildenafil citrate) is a prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotency in men. Men who have ED are unable to achieve and maintain a normal erection.

How Does it Work?

Viagra helps increase blood flow to the penis, allowing the patient to engage in sexual activity with his partner. Viagra is manufactured by Pfizer & Co., and was approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in March 1998.

What’s the Problem?

A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine linked the use of Viagra to an 84% increased risk for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. The study’s authors warned that Viagra use increases the invasiveness of melanoma cells, which raises the potential melanoma risk.

What is Melanoma?

Melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer that occurs in melanocytes (pigment cells). Each year, approximately 76,000 people are diagnosed with the disease in the U.S., and nearly 10,000 die from it.

The most severe complications occur when malignant cells migrate from their original location and colonize tissues in other parts of the body, such as lymph nodes. When this occurs, tumors can grow in many parts of the body and the disease becomes extremely difficult to cure.

How Can Viagra Cause Melanoma?

Viagra has only recently been linked to melanoma, and the mechanism by which it may cause the disease is still being investigated. However, most cases of melanoma occur on a pathway regulated by the BRAF protein. This protein inhibits Phosphodiesterase 5A (PDE5A), which is Viagra’s mechanism of action. Studies have demonstrated that cancerous cells become more invasive and are more likely to metastasize when PDE5A levels are low.

What are the Symptoms?

Melanomas can develop anywhere on the body, but most often develop in areas that have had exposure to the sun, such as the back, legs, arms and face. The primary symptoms of melanoma include a change in an existing mole and/or the development of a new pigmented or unusual-looking growth on your skin. It is important to remember that melanoma doesn’t always begin as a mole. It can also occur on otherwise normal-appearing skin.

Are There Other Side Effects?

In addition to being linked to melanoma skin cancer, Viagra has been associated with a number of other serious side effects including vision problems, blindness and non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Common side effects include headache, stomach ache, facial flushing and priapism (painful erection lasting for 4 hours or more).

Is There a Class Action?

No class action lawsuit has been filed to date over injuries alleged from Viagra. However, a multidistrict litigation (MDL No. 2691) has been established for melanoma cases linked to the drug in the Northern District of California. As of August 2016, at least 80 complaints are pending in the MDL.

Have There Been Any Settlements?

With a growing number of lawsuits continuing to be filed, the Viagra skin cancer litigation remains in the early stages and there have been no reports of Pfizer offering settlements. While our lawyers feel strongly that the manufacturer will have to pay significant compensation to men who developed melanoma after taking Viagra, a substantial amount of discovery remains before the value of the cases can be determined and it will likely take several years before the first settlements are reached.

What Factors Will Be Considered Before Settlements Are Reached?

In determining the amount of damages to award, the following are some of the common factors that a jury may consider, and which will be taken into consideration when evaluating potential offers to settle Viagra melanoma lawsuits:

• The extent and severity of the injury, including hospitalization or other medical care.
• The effect that the injury had on the overall physical and mental health or well-being of the plaintiff.
• Past and future mental anguish.
• Any long-term injuries that may affect the plaintiff’s future health or quality of life.
• Losses related to the wrongful death of men who died from skin cancer after taking Viagra.
• Past and future medical expenses.
• Any lost wages or loss of earning capacity.