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Viagra®, one of the most common drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction, has been associated with melanoma. A recently released medical study has now found that Viagra®, manufactured by Pfizer Inc., can significantly increase the risk of developing melanoma, a very aggressive form of skin cancer.
A 2014 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that men who used Sildenafil, a component of Viagra®, had a statistically significant elevated risk of melanoma. Even after accounting for other risk factors such as family history of melanoma, sun exposure behavior, and UV Index in the state of residence, Sildenafil users continued to exhibit an elevated risk of developing melanoma. Looking at the experiences of 25,848 men, the study documented a nearly two-fold increase in the risk for developing melanoma after taking Sildenafil.
The JAMA study’s authors hypothesized that Sildenafil affects the same genetic pathway that allows skin cancer to become more invasive.
Melanoma is a very dangerous form of skin cancer. Melanoma can form anywhere on the body, though in women it commonly occurs on the legs, while in men melanoma moles are common on the back. A frequent danger sign is a mole that increases in size, or changes color, or becomes itchy. About 76,380 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in the United States in 2016, leading to an expected 10,130 deaths, according to the American Cancer Society.
Contact Us Today If You Have Been Diagnosed With Melanoma
If you or a loved one are a melanoma cancer victim with a history of using Viagra®, you may have a claim for compensation. The attorneys and staff at Ventura Law can arrange to have your medical records examined by doctors, oncologists, and other specialists to determine if your melanoma was in fact caused by Viagra®. We have wide experience working on complex litigation cases, so you can trust us to to be able to deal with the complications of this case. Please call us today at 203.800.8000 for more information.