Viagra

Originally formulated to treat hypertension and chest pain in patients with high blood pressure, Viagra is now one of the most common pharmaceuticals in the United States and around the world. Before its FDA approval, there was no medication to actively treat erectile dysfunction. It was released in 1998 to record-setting initial sales. By 2008, Pfizer had sold nearly $2 billion in Viagra prescriptions.

Adverse effects of Viagra

In some cases, the side effects of Viagra include the following:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Vision loss
• Hearing impairment
• Extended erections that can lead to permanent damage to the penis
• Melanoma/skin cancer

As Viagra has been available for only thirty years, we just now have the data to determine whether or not Viagra use has long-term effects. Men under 30 should talk to their physician about use of Viagra regularly over multi-year periods.

Previous and active Viagra lawsuits against Pfizer

When immense sales and prescription numbers meet severe side effects, there is naturally cause for concern. Viagra has been the subject of numerous lawsuits against Pfizer alleging negligence.

• In 2005, Pfizer was sued by Viagra users experiencing non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a condition that causes sudden vision loss. The FDA required Pfizer to revise its labeling to include a warning about the risk of NAION.
• In 2007, similar events led to the FDA requiring another amendment to Viagra's labeling about the risks of sudden hearing loss.
• In 2014, a study was released that reported a significant correlation between the use of sildenafil and melanoma. This study found that men who used Viagra were nearly twice as likely to develop melanoma than non-sildenafil users.