Hailed as a miracle drug for men, Viagra has been under intense scrutiny after some studies showed an apparent link between Viagra and an increased risk of developing melanoma skin cancer. Though the studies are not conclusive, it is a potential side effect of some concern.

In addition to the potential Viagra side effect, research is showing that Viagra is often being used by men without a prescription.

According to a study published in the British Medical Journal, Dutch researchers documented high levels of Viagra in sewage water. These levels were deemed to be so high that that suggested there was no way that prescribing doctors could be responsible for that many men taking so much of the drug. Due to these high levels, it is believed that the black market of online pharmacies may be selling the drug to men.

The Dutch researchers compiled their research after examining levels of the active ingredient in Viagra, sildenafil, in the sewage outflow of three Netherlands cities for one week. Based on data from legitimate prescriptions, the researchers were able to determine that, given how many prescriptions were active, the levels of sildenafil in the water were too high. They concluded that as much as 60 percent of the sildenafil in the sewage supply was unaccounted for in the legal prescription system. In addition, they found no illegal unused drug dumping.

This study goes to show just how many men may be taking Viagra, potentially giving themselves improper dosage. To top it off, melanoma skin cancer being linked to Viagra is beginning to bring new attention to the erectile dysfunction drug.

Overview of Viagra

On the market since 1998, most men are familiar with Viagra by now as the “little blue pill.” It has remained a controlled, regulated substance that requires a prescription. Effectively treating erectile dysfunction, Viagra has been viewed as a savior by many, until a recent study.

In April, the medical journal JAMA Internal Medicine published research showing that sildenafil appears to actually lower levels of important cancer-fighting cells proteins known as PDE5A. The lesser these proteins, the more invasive the melanoma skin cancer cells seemed.

The study was conducted at the Harvard School of Public Health which analyzed 10 years of data of 26,000 men. During that time, more than 3,500 cases of skin cancer were reported, with 142 of the cases being melanoma. The researchers estimated that men who took Viagra were 84 percent more likely to develop melanoma skin cancer.

Viagra Class Action Lawsuits

With melanoma skin cancer causing over 8,500 deaths annually, the issue is serious. As a result, Viagra class action lawsuits have been under discussion as experts anticipate greater scrutiny of the drug. With a Viagra class action lawsuit, a group of similarly affected plaintiffs may band together to file one large lawsuit against the defendant. If a settlement occurs, the affected plaintiffs share in the settlement.