Pfizer is facing a new Viagra lawsuit from a man from Wilson County, Tennessee, alleging he was diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer after taking Viagra and Cialis.

Also named in the Viagra lawsuit is Eli Lilly Company, manufacturer of Cialis, a newer erectile dysfunction drug meant to compete with Viagra.

Plaintiff Michael B. alleges that as a direct result of using these libido enhancement medications, he developed the most severe form of skin cancer.

He is filing this Viagra lawsuit for nine counts of damage including negligence, strict product liability, breached warranty and false advertising. To treat his erectile dysfunction, Michael was prescribed Viagra from 2009 to 2013 and Cialis from 2013 to 2015.

At the time he was prescribed the medications, Michael claims that neither he nor his physician were aware of the increased risk of melanoma.

Michael further alleges the companies intentionally exaggerated the benefits and skimmed over the risks of the drugs, so he would be more likely to agree to take them.

Michael’s Viagra lawsuit points out several major studies conducted to study the link between Viagra and other erectile dysfunction drugs to melanoma. Michael was diagnosed with melanoma in 2015 and learned of the alleged connection soon after.

In his Viagra lawsuit, Michael emphasizes the emotional and physical damages he has since endured from his diagnosis, including treatments necessary for severe skin cancer.

Erectile dysfunction treatment drugs were a success almost right after release, with Viagra dominating the market since 1998. However Pfizer has been recently facing competition in the market from newer drugs like Cialis which, in 2013, made up $2.1 billion of Eli Lilly’s revenue.

Even though these drugs are commonly prescribed to men to treat their erectile dysfunction, the potential connection could mean greater complications for their health.

Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Skin Cancer Link

The concern over the alleged association stemmed from a recent study published in the April 2014 issue of JAMA Internal Medicine.

The study analyzed over 25,000 men who were observed for ten years and found that Viagra patients were significantly more likely to develop melanoma than patients who were not using Viagra.

At least 142 men were diagnosed with melanoma, with the researchers concluding that Viagra was “significantly associated with increased risk of melanoma.”

Overall researchers found an 84% increase risk of melanoma when using Viagra. While experts have not concluded the exact cause for this alleged side effect, researchers have noted that Viagra and other erectile dysfunction drugs open up genetic pathways that make it easier for melanoma to develop.

More specifically the study noted that Viagra inhibits PDE5 enzymes, which allows for the formation of melanoma. At the time the 2014 study was conducted, Cialis and other newer erectile dysfunction treatment drugs were not available for testing.

Experts have called for further exploration and caution physicians against the potential side effect. Viagra patients who have been diagnosed with melanoma may be able to file their own Viagra lawsuit, and should consult a specialized lawyer to determine their eligibility.