The Little Blue Pill May Have Big Risks: Viagra Linked to Increased Chance of Melanoma

Viagra may be helpful in the bedroom, but it can potentially be harmful to men who spend significant time in the great outdoors. A study has found a link between the little blue bill and an increase risk of melanoma in men who use the drug. The Parian Law Firm, one of Georgia’s premier dangerous and defective drug injury law firms, is currently investigating claims related to melanoma and Viagra and is consulting with clients who may have suffered adverse health consequences from Viagra use.

A long-term study by the Harvard School of Public Health tracked the data of nearly 26,000 men from 2000 through 2010. Published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine, the study suggests that sildenafil, the active drug in Viagra, may increase a man’s risk for melanoma by as much as 84 percent.

In 2000, the researchers interviewed study participants about their sexual health and their use of Viagra. They also asked about their sun exposure habits and history as well as genetic skin cancer risk. Over the next ten years, the researchers tracked occurrences of various types of skin cancer — melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma – as reported by the men participating in the study.

The participants reported 142 incidences of melanoma, 580 squamous cell carcinomas and 3,030 basal cell carcinomas. The researchers found that men who took Viagra were at nearly twice the risk for developing melanoma. They did not, however, find any connection between Viagra and a risk for other types of skin cancers.

While the study is cause for concern about the safety of Viagra, the researchers noted that their findings do not prove the drug causes melanoma, just that there is a correlation. If you use Viagra, you should be that much more vigilant about protecting yourself from the sun and checking yourself for moles or other irregularities on your skin that may be indicators of melanoma.

The Parian Law Firm: Atlanta Defective Drug Lawyers

The Parian Law Firm represents individuals in Georgia and across the country who have been injured and families who have lost a loved one as a result of a defective or dangerous drug or medical device. We are committed to holding the manufacturers of defective drugs responsible for the damage they cause, and are passionate about obtaining compensation and justice for our clients.

If you have questions or concerns about your use of Viagra and whether you may have a claim for compensation, please give us a call at (770) 727-5550 or chat live online with a member of our staff today. We can discuss your situation, evaluate your potential claim, and advise you of your options. We look forward to assisting you.