Viagria Lawsuit: Drug Leads to Increased Risk of Melanoma

Viagra was approved for use in the US by the Food and Drug Administration in 1998. Since then, potentially millions of men have been taking the erectile dysfunction drug as prescribed, and thousands have potentially developed melanoma as a result.  The Strom Law Firm, L.L.C. is investigating personal injury and wrongful death cases on behalf of men who have been diagnosed with melanoma after taking Viagra. We offer a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case, so contact us today. 803.252.4800

Increased Risk of Developing Skin Cancer

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in June 2014 concluded that taking Viagra can increase a man’s risk of developing melanoma.

The study, published in the June edition of JAMA, evaluated 26,000 male patients who disclosed during a 2000 Harvard study that they had used sildenafil citrate, branded as Viagra, to treat erectile dysfunction. During the initial study, none of the men had cancer; however, during the 10 years after the study, researchers found that the group of men were twice as likely to develop skin cancer as the general population. This finding remained true for the group even after the researchers adjusted for family history, ultraviolet light exposure, and other major illnesses that could also increase the risk of skin cancer.

The male participants took questionnaires about their Viagra use every two years, until 2010. The research group identified 142 cases of melanoma, 580 of squamous cell carcinoma, and 3,030 cases of basal cell carcinoma. The group believes it is Viagra, and not erectile dysfunction, that is the link to dangerous skin cancers. At the end of the study, men who took Viagra were determined to be 84% more likely to develop melanoma.

Statistically, about 76,000 new cases of melanoma are expected to be diagnosed in 2014, and about 9,710 people will die – around 6,470 of those patients will be men.

Melanoma Progression and Wrongful Death

A less well-known scholarly article links Viagra prescription to an increased risk of skin cancers, especially melanoma, going as far back as 2011. “Hard Times for Oncogenic BRAF-Expressing Melanoma Cells,” published in the January 2011 issue of Cancer Cell, suggested that malignant cutaneous melanoma progression occurred in 20% of cases. A subsequent small study the same year also linked a melanoma risk to Viagra prescriptions.

So far, one wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against Pfizer for the potential link between Viagra and melanoma. Tina M. Stockton filed her lawsuit on behalf of her late husband, David G. Stockton, and his estate, alleging negligence on the part of the pharmaceutical company. Stockton began taking Viagra to treat erectile dysfunction in 2000, and continued the medication on his doctor’s advice until 2007. He developed melanoma, and passed away from complications in 2008.

Why You Need a Lawyer

The cost of treating melanoma cancer can take a substantial financial and emotional toll. Sometimes the only way to recover the costs may be to file a lawsuit. You may be able to recover medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and even wrongful death damages.

If you or a loved one were prescribed and took Viagra and suffered from melanoma skin cancer, you could be entitled to compensation. Don’t wait until its too late, protect your rights and speak to a lawyer right away. Give us a call today for a free consultation. 803.252.4800