Viagra has been prescribed to over 45 million men, making it one of Pfizer’s best-selling products. While many people think of Viagra as a safe remedy for erectile dysfunction, the drug has not been without controversy since FDA approval in 1998.

The drug has faced legal trouble for allegedly causing skin cancer.

About Viagra

Viagra is the brand name for the active ingredient sildenafil, which was first developed as a medication to treat angina. However, early clinical trials proved that the drug was not an effective treatment for the heart condition and that it had a compelling side effect: men who had taken the medication were experiencing an increased number of erections.

Following the results of their initial clinical trials, Pfizer submitted Viagra to the FDA again, this time as a therapy to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). This condition affects nearly 40 percent of men by the age of 40, and over 70 percent by the age of 70.

After successful clinical studies for this new treatment focus, Viagra became the first oral medication approved to treat ED.

Viagra works by blocking certain enzymes that occur in the body, which causes blood vessels to dilate and increases blood flow to the penis. When combined with sexual stimulation, the increased blood flow and dilated vessels in the area help to produce and maintain an erection.

However, recent research has now shown an increased incidence of patients developing melanoma skin cancer after taking the medication, leading many to file claims against the manufacturer in the Viagra.

Viagra’s Link to Melanoma Cancer

In June of 2014, the Journal of the American Medical Association reported the results of a long-term study linking melanoma cancer and Viagra use.

Researchers examined data from The Health Professionals Follow-up Study, a long-term study by the Harvard School of Public Health, which tracked the data of nearly 26,000 men from 1986 through 2000.  The researchers looked at both the instances of melanoma in these men as well as their reported Viagra use.

Even after controlling for factors like a history of skin cancer and UV light exposure, men who had taken Viagra were significantly more likely to develop melanomas than those who did not. Of the men who never used Viagra, 4.3 out of every 1,000 developed melanoma skin cancer.

Of the men who reported using the erectile dysfunction drug, 8.6 men out of every 1,000 developed melanoma–an 84% increase.

Viagra Melanoma Cancer Lawsuits

The current litigation surrounding Viagra is related to the increased incidence of melanoma cancer. Many patients have already come forward after being diagnosed, and investigations are still in their earliest stages.

In December 2015, a motion was filed to consolidate claims into multidistrict litigation (MDL). This type of case is similar to a class action lawsuit in that it combines claims brought by different plaintiffs for the purposes of evidence and discovery, but the results obtained are not legally binding for everyone involved.

If it is demonstrated that Pfizer knew or should have known about increased risk for melanoma skin cancer that Viagra produced, it may be held liable for the injuries sustained by people taking it.

If you developed melanoma after using Viagra, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, pain, suffering, and other costs and expenses.