Studies are beginning to suggest that certain erectile dysfunction drugs may increase the risk of melanoma, a deadly skin cancer. Drugs such as Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil) and Levitra (vardenafil) have been investigated by medical experts to assess the risk of melanoma skin cancer in males using erectile dysfunction medication.

In April, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) published a study that suggested Viagra increased the risk of melanoma by as much as 84 percent. The JAMA study also suggested that Cialis and Levitra may also lead to the development of melanoma.

Experts say there is a need for further research on the question of Viagra melanoma.

Dr. Abrar Qureshi, co-author of the Viagra melanoma study, suggested, “people who are on the medication and who have a high risk for developing melanoma may consider touching base with their primary care providers.”

The editor of Harvard Men’s Health Watch, Daniel Pendick, was doubtful of the Viagra melanoma study’s findings. He suggested that if there was an increase risk of melanoma in Viagra users, it was a small one. There was not enough evidence to suggest a big panic, and that the 84 percent melanoma increase rate made for a good headline.

Pendick favored concern over melanoma in general instead of Viagra melanoma. He stated, “The study is interesting but it does not mean that men should be worried … that Viagra causes melanoma.” He also observes that the study only examines Viagra, which was the only erectile dysfunction drug on the market when the study began. Since then, Cialis and Levitra have been introduced and may also be affecting melanoma skin cancer rates.

The JAMA study is not conclusive, but it is suggestive of a trend in Viagra, Cialis, and Livitra melanoma.

The Viagra melanoma study was performed by the Harvard School of Public Health. It involved nearly 26,000 men whose average age was 65. Not all of the men used or had ever used Viagra. The Viagra melanoma findings suggested that the risk of developing melanoma increased in Viagra users when compared to non-users. This includes other melanoma risks including family history and ultraviolet light exposure.

Skin Cancer

Melanoma is the most rare of the three types of skin cancer, but it is also the most dangerous form of skin cancer. It accounts for less than 2 percent of the total skin cancer cases, yet the American Cancer Society (ACS) estimated that roughly 76,000 new cases will be diagnosed this year. The ACS also estimates that nearly 10,000 people will die from melanoma this year. Most of the victims will be men.

Basal cell skin cancer and squamous cell skin cancer, the other two types of skin cancer, are far more treatable. The JAMA study data suggests that drugs like Viagra do not increase the risks of developing these forms of cancer. It also suggested that erectile dysfunction on its own does not lead to melanoma.

A Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis melanoma class action lawsuit investigation is underway.