With recent discussion of the potential connection between Viagra and melanoma, consumers across the country are asking themselves how seriously they should take this news.

Prior to the release of Viagra, men either had to remain impotent or undergo injection treatments. In comparison, Viagra could be taken discretely and conveniently and would only take 15 to 60 minutes to give a man an erection.

The positive reputation Viagra enjoyed, however, was tarnished with the potential of developing Viagra melanoma and men are expressing concern.

Viagra (Sildenafil) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1998, and quickly became the most popular choice to treat erectile dysfunction. Now, Pfizer is facing potential problems with Viagra, due to new erectile dysfunction drugs coming onto the market and with Viagra’s recent association with melanoma.

Melanoma is the most devastating form of skin cancer and was linked to Viagra in June with the release of a study highlighting the skin cancer potential of the drug. The study published in the Journal of American Medicine (JAMA), reviewed the cases of almost 29,000 men who had taken Viagra.

In the study there were 142 cases reported of melanoma, suggesting a potential risk. According to the lead author, Dr. Abrar Qureshi, and other medical experts, Viagra may be opening up certain genetic pathways that allow cancer cells to spread.

Additionally, Dr. Qureshi advised patients to consult their doctors before ceasing Viagra or if they are worried about potentially developing melanoma.

Medical experts have said further studies are needed to determine the connection between Viagra and melanoma and that suddenly discontinuing Viagra would not be beneficial.