An estimated 30 million men in the U.S. suffer from erectile dysfunction, and nearly half of them are prescribed Viagra to treat the condition. However, recent studies link the ED medication to developing the deadly form of skin cancer known as melanoma.

A 2014 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) looked at nearly 26,000 men. The study found that Viagra consumers had an 84 percent greater risk for developing melanoma when compared to non-users.

This study, along with others, has lead to a growing number of Viagra melanoma lawsuits. Plaintiffs allege that Pfizer Inc., Viagra’s manufacturer, intentionally downplayed the serious skin cancer risk while aggressively marketing the product to young and middle-aged men. 

Viagra Melanoma Symptoms

According to the American Cancer Society, melanoma is responsible for nearly 10,000 deaths in the U.S. each year. While early detection is key to a better chance of survival, the deadly form of skin cancer is often difficult to initially diagnose.

Early skin cancer symptoms may include a mole that itches or feels painful. However, as the melanoma skin cancer develops patients may notice lesions growing from one-millimeter to more than four-millimeters thick. If not caught early enough, melanoma can spread to lymph nodes and internal organs. Those who examine their skin often have a greater chance of catching melanoma early.

An estimated 76,000 cases of melanoma were diagnosed in the U.S. last year alone.

Viagra Linked to Skin Cancer

Viagra was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1998 to treat men who cannot get or maintain an erection. Erections require that nerves, hormones, and blood vessels all work together properly. If any of those systems are out of sync, men may have difficulty achieving an erection. 

Pfizer designed Viagra to address this problem by relaxing smooth muscle cells and helping arteries in the penis to dilate. This allows blood to flow more easily. Despite its huge success, researchers have discovered a possible link between Viagra and skin cancer development.

According to these studies, Viagra mimics gene activation, so it is possible that the erectile dysfunction medication generates melanoma cells. In spite of these research findings, the ED medication does not carry a caution about Viagra melanoma. This has led many consumers to file Viagra melanoma lawsuits accusing Pfizer of failing to warn about the increased risk of skin cancer linked to the drug.

Viagra Melanoma Lawsuits

Viagra lawsuits continue to be filed across the U.S., similarly alleging that Pfizer did little to adequately warn consumers of the melanoma risks associated with the erectile dysfunction medication. Those who have filed lawsuits allege that Pfizer’s lack of warning was a callous and willful indifference to the health and safety of consumers. Plaintiffs claim that had Pfizer adequately warned of the risk of skin cancer, they would not have taken the medication.

In addition to lawsuits, Pfizer has faced a growing amount of criticism from doctors, regulators, and consumer groups for their advertising campaigns. Many believe Pfizer appears to be targeting young men, which some physicians believe sends a confusing message to the public.

If you were diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer after taking Viagra, you may be about to join a Viagra class action lawsuit.