A study suggests that melanoma skin cancer is one of the possible side effects of Viagra. The study found that men who used Viagra were more likely to develop melanoma, the most dangerous and deadly form of skin cancer. 

The medical community seeks to further study the potential for Viagra melanoma. Many are filing Viagra lawsuits, and a Viagra class action lawsuit is underway. 

Since 1998, Viagra has been used by primarily older men to treat erectile dysfunction. Viagra, commonly referred to as “the little blue pill,” has long been a popular drug and is heavily marketed across the country. The side effects are primarily minor; there is potential for rash, flushing, abnormal visions, and other cold or flu-like symptoms. Since April, when JAMA Internal Medicine published a Viagra melanoma study, the possibility of melanoma as one of the side effects of Viagra became a topic of concern.

Viagra Melanoma Study

Dr. Abrar Qureshi, co-author of the Viagra melanoma study, spoke to NBC news about his findings. The study found that men who used Viagra were 84 percent more likely to develop melanoma compared to those who did not take the drug. Other melanoma risk factors were also taken into consideration when confirming this percentage in the study. Nearly 26,000 men were studied with data taken between 2000 and 2012. The average age of the studied men was 65. Qureshi told NBC that “people who are on the medication and who have a high risk of developing melanoma may consider touching base with their primary care providers.”

Because it is the first study of this nature, there is no conclusive claim that Viagra directly causes melanoma. Dr. June Robinson, not a part of the study, pointed out that the rate of new melanoma cases in men slowed with the introduction of Viagra. But she also agrees that there was a strong enough link between Viagra and melanoma to encourage further study. 

Melanoma 

Melanoma is one of three types of skin cancer, the other two being basal cell skin cancer and squamous cell skin cancer. Melanomas (the malignant skin tumors) can often resemble moles and are typically black or brown. It makes up less tha 2 percent of overall skin cancer cases, but it causes the majority of skin cancer deaths. It is expected that 9,710 people (6,470 men) will die from melanoma in 2014, with 76,100 new cases being diagnosed.

Doctors recommend keeping an eye out for new or strange moles on the skin and being aware of the ABCDEs of melanoma: A for asymmetry (not an even circle); B for border (uneven borders); C for color (uneven or strange colors); D for diameter (larger than a pencil easer); and E for evolving (change in mole).