Study Links Viagra® to Skin Cancer
National Law Firm Ferrer, Poirot & Wansbrough Investigates Potential Lawsuits
A recent study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association found that men who take Viagra® have an almost 84 percent greater risk of developing melanoma, one of the most aggressive forms of skin cancer. The study analyzed data from more than 25,000 men and controlled for factors such as sun exposure and family medical history.
Manufactured by Pfizer Inc., Viagra—also know as sildenafil citrate—is often prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension. While taking a single dose of the drug can almost double the risk of developing melanoma, researchers found no associated increase in the risk of other, less aggressive types of skin cancers such as squamous or basal cell carcinoma.
Dr. Abrar Qureshi, co-author of the study and Chair of the Department of Dermatology at Brown University’s Warren Alpert Medical School, theorizes the risk of melanoma is so much greater after taking Viagra because the drug affects the same genetic pathways that allow cancers to spread aggressively.
MILLIONS OF MEN AT RISK
More than 25 million men have taken Viagra since it was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1998. The number who developed melanoma after taking the drug is currently unknown, but one of the most prominent drug injury law firms in the U.S.—Ferrer, Poirot & Wansbrough—is currently investigating legal claims on behalf of men who developed skin cancer after taking erectile dysfunction drugs. According to the firm, men who developed melanoma after taking even a single dose of Viagra may be able to get monetary compensation.
While the link between Viagra and skin cancer continues to be investigated, men taking Viagra who are concerned about the risk of skin cancer should consult their doctors about ceasing use of the drug. Men who were diagnosed with melanoma after taking Viagra—or their surviving family members—should contact an attorney to see if they have legal recourse.
ABOUT FERRER, POIROT & WANSBROUGH
A national leader in complex tort litigation, Ferrer, Poirot & Wansbrough has more than 30 years of experience advocating for consumers injured by prescription drugs, faulty medical devices, and defective products. For more information, visit www.Lawyerworks.com.
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Matthew Daniel
Partner
(214) 521-4412
2603 Oak Lawn | Suite 300 | Dallas, Texas 75219
Toll Free 866.589.0257 • www.lawyerworks.com
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