Viagra Skin Cancer Lawsuits

Can Viagra cause skin cancer? Men around the country claim the erectile dysfunction pill increases the risk of melanoma and that Pfizer failed to warn about this side effect. More than 700 legal actions contend that the “little blue pill” is directly responsible for causing melanoma, one of the most dangerous types of skin cancer and that Pfizer knowingly concealed this side effect in an attempt to preserve sales.

If you developed melanoma after taking Viagra (sildenafil), you may have grounds for civil action. Reach out to Louisiana attorney Bart Bernard for a complimentary Viagra skin cancer lawsuit consultation. Our practice leverages more than 20 years of experience fighting powerful pharmaceutical companies and winning fair compensation for clients.

Research published in JAMA Internal Medicine suggests that men who take Viagra increase their skin cancer risk. The findings, issued in 2014, found a link between melanoma and Viagra in men who took the erectile dysfunction drug over a period of 10 years. The long-term observational study included 26,000 men who were tracked over a decade. At its conclusion, researchers looked for incidence of squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma and melanoma in participant, determining that use of Viagra was associated with an 84 percent increased risk of melanoma skin cancer. The study authors concluded that “the results from a well-established, long-term cohort study suggest a positive association between PDE5A inhibitor (sildenafil) use for erectile function problems and risk of subsequent melanoma.”

While more research is needed to determine if Viagra causes melanoma, evidence shows a causal connection between the two.

Melanoma affects some 90,000 people every year. It is a highly aggressive form of skin cancer that can prove deadly if not detected and treated early. Melanomas can develop on areas of the skin that are not exposed to the sun, but in men, they are most often found on their neck, back, head and trunk. This deadly skin cancer can start as a new growth or develop from existing moles that suddenly change color, size or shape.

Men who are taking or have taken Viagra for erectile dysfunction, should be aware of the signs and early symptoms of melanoma. According to the Cancer Center Treatment Centers of America, these include:

• Surface changes to an existing mole such as bleeding, oozing or a scaly crust
• A new spot on the skin that has an irregular shape
• A sore on the skin that won’t heal
• Changes in the border or color of a mole, where redness extends to surrounding skin
• A spot on the skin that is itchy, tender or painful
• An existing mole or new spot that is larger than the size of a pencil eraser

In 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated it would be assessing the connection between erectile dysfunction drugs and melanoma, as well as other safety issues. While the FDA decides whether regulatory action is needed for phosphodiesterase (PDE)-5 inhibitors like Viagra, litigation against Pfizer has been gaining momentum, with skin cancer lawsuits filed throughout the nation.

Causes of action listed in Viagra melanoma lawsuits include:

• Negligence
• Failure to warn
• Breach of Express and Implied Waranties
• Deceptive Trade Practices
• Negligent Misrepresentation
• Defective Design
• Unjust Enrichment

Plaintiffs argue that drug manufacturer Pfizer made no efforts in its advertisements and promotions of Viagra to warn consumers about the heightened risk of developing melanoma. They further allege Pfizer intentionally downplayed the connection between Viagra and melanoma in order to boost sales.

In Spring of 2016, Viagra skin cancer lawsuits were centralized in California District Court before Judge Richard Seeborg. The Viagra MDL (Multidistrict Litigation 2691) is expected to grow substantially over the coming months, as more men discover the link between Viagra and risk of melanoma skin cancer.

Each year, melanoma kills some 10,000 people in the United States, and two-thirds of these deaths are men. When pharmaceutical companies are negligent in the design, manufacture and promotion of their products and injury results, Attorney Bart Bernard is poised to take action and secure justice for his clients.

Viagra generates billions of dollars in revenue for Pfizer, ranking among it top-selling drugs. Plaintiffs claim that had they be warned about melanoma dangers they would have not taken the erectile dysfunction medication.

Viagra skin cancer litigation is still in the early phases, and there is no sign that Pfizer is planning to offer a global settlement to resolve the coordinated MDL proceedings. Whether the cases are remanded back to their original court for trial, or settled without going before a jury, the following factors will impact the monetary value of each suit:

• The extent of injury: did the melanoma diagnosis require medical care, hospitalization or other treatment
• Projected medical expenses and losses to be incurred for skin cancer treatment
• Lost wages and earning capacity that result from the injury
• A loss of enjoyment of life
• Emotional pain and mental anguish
• Loss of support and companionship in cases involving wrongful death

The Personal Injury Bart Bernard Personal Injury Lawyers is currently offering free case reviews for potential Viagra claims. Don’t delay in seeking the legal representation and guidance of a veteran defective drug attorney. Our offices are convenient to residents in Lafayette, Baton Rouge and Lake Charles, Louisiana.

1. JAMA, Sildenafil use and increased risk of incident melanoma in US men: a prospective cohort study https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4178948/
2. Medical Daily, Why Men Who Take Viagra Increase Their Skin Cancer Risk By 21% https://www.medicaldaily.com/why-men-who-take-viagra-increase-their-skin-cancer-risk-21-little-known-link-between-339710
3. Harvard Health Publishing, Erectile dysfunction drugs and skin cancer — should you worry? https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/erectile-dysfunction-drugs-skin-cancer-worry-201406057197
4. Medscape, New FDA Watch List: Possible ED Drug–Melanoma Link and More https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/865658
5. S. JPML, IN RE: VIAGRA (SILDENAFIL CITRATE) PRODUCTS LIABILITY LITIGATION 2691 http://www.jpml.uscourts.gov/sites/jpml/files/MDL-2691-Initial_Transfer-03-16.pdf

Last modified: August 29, 2018