Pfizer Inc. is facing a growing multidistrict litigation (MDL), consisting of product liability claims alleging Viagra melanoma skin cancer. One of the most recent claims comes from a Florida man, alleging he developed Viagra melanoma skin cancer soon after starting his prescription.

Plaintiff Gary C. decided to file legal action against Pfizer Inc. after discovering the alleged Viagra melanoma skin cancer risk, which was well publicized in a recent study. This inquiry was published in JAMA Internal Medicine in April 2014 and reported that men may face an 84 percent increased risk of melanoma if they used Viagra (Sildenafil).

It was noted in the study that newer erectile dysfunction drugs Cialis and Levitra could pose similar risks because the body takes longer to metabolize them. However, Gary was not made aware of this study until recently, he says, because the warning label making no mention of potential Viagra melanoma skin cancer at the time the medication was prescribed to him.

According to the Viagra melanoma lawsuit, Gary had been prescribed the erectile dysfunction medication for typical treatment purposes in September 2008. Like millions of other men, Gary had sought a Viagra prescription to treat his erectile dysfunction and had followed all prescription instructions.

In addition, Gary alleges he had followed physician’s advice during the course of his prescription and did not experience any initial drug complications. Gary had stayed on the medication until June 2011, according to the complaint, but had been diagnosed with Viagra melanoma skin cancer on May 27, 2011.

This diagnosis had spurred Gary to file legal action against Pfizer Inc., alleging the drug company either knew or should have known about the potential side effects their drug could cause.

Overview of Viagra Melanoma Skin Cancer Correlation

Viagra is one of the most well known erectile dysfunction medications in the United States, and has been helping adult men with erectile dysfunction for decades. Viagra works by inhibiting the PDE5A enzyme, which is supposed to ease blood flow into the penis.

However, this treatment mechanism has been allegedly causing numerous men to develop melanoma — the deadliest type of skin cancer. Scientists have noted the treatment mechanism of sildenafil may be opening pathways for melanoma to develop.

The 2014 Viagra melanoma skin cancer study was conducted by researchers from Harvard School of Public Health from 2000 to 2010 and consisted of 26,000 men. Over the course of this period, over 3,500 cases of Viagra skin cancers had been reported including 142 cases of melanoma, 580 cases of squamous cell carcinoma, and 3,030 cases of basal cell carcinoma.

This study had found that Viagra patients were 84% more likely to develop melanoma, compared to non exposed to patients. While Cialis and Levitra were not included in the study, scientists noted they could carry the same risk because they have the same biochemistry as Viagra.

Gary’s product liability claim is joining MDL No. 2691, where it will stand alongside other claims alleging Viagra melanoma skin cancer. Gary is filing this Viagra melanoma lawsuit seeking compensation for multiple damages, including counts of negligence and failure to warn.

Gary states he would not have agreed to take the erectile dysfunction medication, if he had known the alleged Viagra melanoma skin cancer risk.

This Viagra Melanoma Lawsuit is Case No. 3:18-cv-01541-RS, in the U.S. District Court of Northern California, San Francisco Division.