A recent study has linked erectile dysfunction drug Viagra to an increased risk of developing melanoma skin cancer. Victims who have developed cancer from Viagramay be eligible to hire an experienced attorney and file a class action lawsuit related to the dangers of Viagra.

What is Viagra?

Viagra is a medication for men with erectile dysfunction (ED). It works by increasing blood flow to the penis, allowing men to obtain and keep an erection. It is taken as-needed, rather than a daily pill.
Although Viagra is often touted as a safe and effective ED treatment for men, the drug may actually cause patients to experience serious and dangerous side effects.

What are the Dangers of Viagra?

According to a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine in April 2014, use of Viagra may be linked to an increased risk of skin cancer. The study analyzed the data of 26,000 men between 2000 and 2010. During the course of the study, more than 3,500 cases of Viagra-related skin cancer were reported, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. The study concluded that men who used Viagra were 84 percent more likely to develop melanoma than men who did not take the medication. The study took other factors into account, including family history, UV light exposure, and mole count, and still found that Viagra use was linked to a higher risk of skin cancer.

What is Melanoma?

Melanoma is one of the most dangerous and aggressive types of skin cancer. It occurs when skin cells multiply quickly, forming malignant tumors that are often mistaken for moles. These moles are usually brown or black, but may also appear as pink, red, purple, blue, white, or flesh-tone. Although melanoma is a relatively rare type of skin cancer, the condition is responsible for the majority of skin cancer-related deaths.

Is It Safe for a Person with Kidney Disease to Take Viagra?

According to MedicalNewsToday, men with certain pre-existing health conditions should not take Viagra, or should at least talk with their doctor before taking it.

Men with kidney disease, severe liver problems, low blood pressure or those at risk of inherited degenerative retinal disorders of the eyes are among those who should check with a doctor before taking Viagra.

Anyone who has had a recent heart attack or stroke or who is taking nitric oxide donors, nitrates or organic nitrites and those who have been told by a doctor not to have sexual relations because of cardiovascular risks should refrain from Viagra.

Can People with HIV Take Viagra?

Some HIV patients take protease inhibitors, which can increase the risk and severity of Viagra’s side effects. According to MedicalNewsToday, HIV positive patients should discuss Viagra with a doctor before taking it, and should not ingest more than 25 milligrams of Viagra every 48 hours.

Is Revatio the Same Thing as Viagra?

Revatio and Viagra both contain the active ingredient sildenafil. Revatio is sold only as a 20 mg tablet and is used to treat high blood pressure in the lungs, known medically as pulmonary arterial hypertension. Viagra is prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction and is available in 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg tablets.

Why Do Some Athletes Take Revatio?

Athletes have been known to take Revatio, believing it increases their capacity for exercise, but medical evidence has not indicated this to be true.

Symptoms and Side Effects of Viagra

In addition to skin cancer, Viagra may also cause patients to experience a variety of other side effects. Common Viagra side effects include:

• Headache
• Upset stomach
• Abnormal vision changes, including blurry vision, a blue tint, or sudden vision loss
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Back or muscle pain
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Skin rash

Other side effects of Viagra may be more dangerous, although they are rarer. Victims who experience these side effects may want to seek medical attention promptly. These side effects and dangers of Viagra include:

• Priapism, or an erection lasting more than 4 hours that will not go away
• Hearing loss or tinnitus
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Death

People who have been diagnosed with melanoma or another type of skin cancer following use of Viagra may be entitled to financial compensation. Hiring a skilled attorney and filing a class action lawsuit regarding the dangers of Viagra may be the first step toward receiving compensation for damages including injuries and pain and suffering.