Melanoma Risk with Viagra Amplified Because Many Men Do Not Get Screened For Skin Cancer
Over the past 18 months, there has been increasing evidence linking side effects of Viagra to melanoma skin cancer. The lack of warnings provided by Pfizer about this potential risk associated with the popular erectile dysfunction drug raise serious concerns, especially since men are generally less likely to get skin cancer screening than women.
Viagra (sildenafil citrate) was introduced by Pfizer in 1998, and amid aggressive marketing by Pfizer it has become one of the most widely recognized brand-name medications on the market, used by millions of men throughout the United States.
The melanoma risk with Viagra started to gain widespread attention in April 2014, when a study published in the medical journal JAMA Internal Medicine found that men using the drug may be 84% more likely to be diagnosed with the deadly form of skin cancer. However, it appears that Pfizer knew or should have known about the potential Viagra risks for years.
The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are reviewing potential Viagra lawsuits for men throughout the United States, to help determine whether financial compensation may be available as a result of Pfizer’s apparent decision to withhold information about the melanoma risk from consumers and the medical community.
If adequate Viagra skin cancer warnings had been provided, many men may have avoided a melanoma diagnosis my choosing not to use the erectile dysfunction drug or by carefully monitoring for symptoms of skin changes that may have appeared during treatment. However, they were not given that opportunity, since no warnings were provided about the potential link between Viagra and melanoma.
Skin Cancer Warnings from Viagra Particularly Important for Men
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, men are generally less likely than women to be checked for skin cancer at the earliest signs. Unfortunately for users of Viagra, this often means that the diagnosis of skin cancer may come too late to prevent severe disfigurement or even death.
The lack of consistent monitoring for skin cancer among men highlights the importance of Pfizer providing accurate and complete information to users and the medical community about the potential Viagra melanoma risks.
While men are generally less likely than women to check for skin cancer symptoms on their own, this is not because they are more cavalier about their health, as is generally believed. Rather, it is because men receive very little messaging and education on skin cancer through media.
While women often see skin cancer warnings and sunscreen ads in magazines or during television shows targeted at female audiences, few such messages ever reach men. According to one study cited by the Foundation, 77% of sunscreen ads appear in women’s magazines, with four ads per magazine, compared to one ad in every six issues of men’s magazines.
This lack of information about sunscreen also likely translates to a lack of information about skin cancer and when to have a doctor check suspicious blemishes or marks on the skin.
Research has suggested that once men are properly educated about skin cancer, they typically get screened more often. According to one Australian study, increased education on skin cancer doubled the number of men who got screened.
Such early screening is crucial for catching melanoma caused by Viagra in its earliest stages, as once melanoma spreads to lymph nodes, and then to organs, it can be far more difficult to treat and can be fatal. While generating billions in annual sales, Pfizer had an obligation to make sure users were educated about the importance of monitoring for skin cancer from Viagra. However, it appears they placed their desire for profits before consumer safety.
The American Cancer Society indicates that melanoma is diagnosed in about 69,000 Americans each year and causes about 8,650 deaths annually. The skin cancer usually manifests as unusual moles or patches of skin. While it is often curable if caught early, once melanoma has spread beyond the skin and local lymph nodes, treatment is difficult and it may ultimately result in death.
Failure to Warn Lawsuits Over Viagra Melanoma Side Effects
To review whether you or a loved one may be entitled to financial compensation following a diagnosis of melanoma after use of Viagra, contact the attorneys at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. by calling toll free at 1-800-522-0102 or by requesting a free consultation and claim evaluation.
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