Due to the recent research studies and news reports detailing the possible link between Viagra use and the development of melanoma skin cancer, many men who used the famous “little blue pill” are now concerned that they may be at an increased risk of skin cancer.

Currently, there is only one known Viagra melanoma lawsuit that has been filed in federal court, and it is possible that more Viagra lawsuits may be filed in the future.

Background on Viagra Skin Cancer Study

Back in June 2014, a Viagra melanoma study was published in the JAMA Internal Medicine, which found that men who took Viagra (generic, sildenafil) were reportedly 84 percent more likely to develop melanoma skin cancer over a 10 year period.

It is important to note that this Viagra study does not show that use of Viagra causes melanoma. However, the study only demonstrates a connection between use of the drug and the development of this deadly form of skin cancer. More research is needed to fully understand the link between melanoma skin cancer and Viagra.

According to researchers of this Viagra melanoma study, “Sildenafil use may be associated with an increased risk of developing melanoma,” but they also said that these findings in and of themselves do not warrant a change in Viagra’s warning label.

The scientists also concluded that more research is needed to truly determine if there is a possible cause and effect relationship between melanoma skin cancer and Viagra. Some are concerned that Viagra has the ability to effect cell signaling pathways in the body, which would then facilitate the spread of melanoma cancer cells.

Viagra Melanoma Lawsuit

Back in 2014, plaintiff Edward C. was the first plaintiff to file a Viagra skin cancer lawsuit against Pfizer Inc., which alleges the pharmaceutical company failed to warn him and other consumers of the skin cancer risks associated with the use of the erectile dysfunction drug.

Edward was allegedly diagnosed with melanoma in 2012 and had begun taking Viagra as an erectile-enhancing treatment four years prior in 2008. In his Viagra melanoma lawsuit, he alleges Pfizer knows or should have known of the skin cancer risks associated with sildenafil use and that it should have informed consumers and prescribing physicians of this health danger.

Additionally, the FDA sent a letter to Pfizer in 2008, warning the company about concerns regarding their Viagra marketing strategies. In one section addressing the Viagra promotional video that aired on CNN, the agency’s warning letter states, “The video raises public health and safety concerns through its complete omission of risk information for Viagra by suggesting that Viagra is safer than has been demonstrated.”

Subsequently, the FDA asked Pfizer to stop using these Viagra marketing materials and that the alleged violations were serious enough to warrant that Pfizer demonstrate they had a plan in place to release truthful Viagra information.