Veterans who have certain health issues such as diabetes or hypertension often are prescribed Viagra for erectile dysfunction secondary to their medical issues. Viagra, generic sildenafil citrate, dilates blood vessels to increase blood flow. It is in a class of medications called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, which have been found in numerous studies to be linked to an increases risk of metastasis of skin cancers such as melanoma and basal cell carcinomas.
The Link Between Viagra and Skin Cancer
While studies have shown that Viagra may not actually cause melanoma, a form of skin cancer, but the action of the PDE5 is linked to an increased rate of melanoma metastasizing. Men who take the medication who have or get forms of skin cancer, melanoma or basal cell carcinoma, are at a possibly increased risk of cancer spreading to other organs of their body.
A study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2015 (see figure above) noted a “modest but significant increased risk of malignant melanoma” in those men who took Viagra compared to those who did not. While the study had some limitations, the results are considered significant, especially as the expectation of those experiencing erectile dysfunction is expected to increase by 2025 to over 320 million men.
Journal of the American Medical Association; June 23/30, 2015
Phizer, the makers of Viagra, has disputed the links over the years. Many studies have even attempted to link the increased risk of skin cancer to the lifestyles of those who use the drugs rather than the drugs themselves, however, the latest research (Jan. 2018) continues to link the use of the drug to increased risk of metastasizing.
Class action torts pending against Phizer are due to the pharmaceutical company failing to warn and fraudulent concealment due to marketing the drug as a safe medication for skin cancer patients. Pfizer marketed the drug as safe not only to consumers but to health care professionals as well, who could have warned patients against the increased risk.
The drug Cialis, manufactured by Eli Lilly, was added to the class action suit in 2016, as it is also a PDE5 inhibitor.
Factors in Viagra Damage
To determine the value of Viagra damages, some common factors that are considered are the following:
- The extent and duration of the injury caused by Viagra to include any hospitalization or medical treatment as a result of melanoma;
- The effects of melanoma on the overall physical and mental health of the patient;
- Pain and anguish suffered in the past and potential pain and anguish which may be likely suffered in the future;
- Any long-term injuries that may affect the patient’s future health or quality of life;
- Any losses related to the wrongful death of patients who died from melanoma related to use of Viagra;
- Past or future medical expenses; and
- Any lost wages or loss of earning capacity.
ED Medical Conditions
Veterans, who were prescribed Viagra or Cialis either by the VA or for service-connected conditions, and experienced metastasizing melanoma, may also be eligible for disability benefits from the VA due to a secondary condition caused by the medication. Medical conditions that can be related to erectile dysfunction include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Heart disease;
- Atherosclerosis (clogged blood vessels)
- High Cholesterol;
- High Blood Pressure (HTN);
- Diabetes;
- Metabolic Syndrome;
- Parkinson’s Disease;
- Multiple Sclerosis;
- Sleep Disorders;
- PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, or other mental health conditions;
- Prostate Cancer and other prostate conditions; and
- Surgeries or traumas in the pelvic or spinal cord areas.
If you are service connected for any of the above conditions or have recently been denied service connection, please contact us for a review of your case. If you also took Viagra or Cialis and have any of the above service-connected conditions, please contact us for a review of your case concerning VA eligibility and for information concerning a class action tort.
