Millions of men in the United States take Viagra and Cialis for erectile dysfunction, and both men and women take Revatio and Adcirca to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension. These PDE5 inhibitors have been linked to an increased risk of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. At the law firm of James F. Humphreys & Associates, L.C., we fight for the rights of consumers who suffer from serious adverse side effects from dangerous drugs.
PDE5 Inhibitors
PDE5 inhibitors are a class of drugs that reduce the effect of an enzyme called cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase type 5. This enzyme is present in both the smooth muscle of the penis and the lungs, which is why PDE5 inhibitors are effective at treating both ED and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Since its FDA approval in 1998, over 20 million men have been prescribed Viagra or its generic, sildenafil. More recently, Cialis and its generic, tadalafil, have been heralded for their longer-lasting effects. However, a study published in 2014 linked these drugs to an increased risk of melanoma, a potentially fatal form of skin cancer.
Melanoma
Melanoma develops when the skin cells that produce skin pigments become cancerous. Melanoma is not the most common form of skin cancer, but it is the most deadly because it can quickly spread from the skin to other parts of the body. Melanoma is directly linked to sun exposure and damage, but a new study showed that men who used PDE5 inhibitors were two times as likely to develop melanoma, regardless of exposure to the sun or other melanoma risk factors.
If you or a loved one has developed melanoma after using PDE5 inhibitors, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact James F. Humphreys & Associates, L.C. for a free consultation on your case today.
Toll Free: +1 (877) 341-2595
Email: jhumphreys@jfhumphreys.com
Although there have been reported injuries with this drug, the FDA has not withdrawn its approval at this time. Do not stop taking a prescribed medication without first consulting with your doctor. Discontinuing a prescribed medication without your doctor’s advice can result in injury or death.
