As you may or may not be aware, we have seen a growing number of Viagra lawsuits being filed by men who have recently learned they have melanoma, a serious type of skin cancer. Since its release in 1998, the erectile dysfunction (ED) drug, Viagra, has been a huge moneymaker for the drug manufacturer, Pfizer. However, it has also been at the center of controversy. Soon after its release, Pfizer began facing allegations that the drug was causing serious, sometimes life-threatening side effects in men, including heart attacks, strokes, vision problems, and hearing troubles. In 2005, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued the first warning about Viagra.
Fastforward to today when we have learned that the Pfizer-manufactured drug has been linked to numerous cases of melanoma, which is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. In fact, studies indicate that men who are currently using Viagra are 84 percent more likely to develop this type of skin cancer compared to men who do not use the drug. This somewhat recent development means that Pfizer has been hit with numerous lawsuits. In fact, they are currently facing at least two dozen product liability lawsuits in 11 different U.S. District Courts, all of which state the plaintiffs were not warned about the risks of melanoma.
Viagra Lawsuits Consolidated
In the beginning of December, a handful of plaintiffs filed a request with the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation, asking that all Viagra melanoma lawsuits be consolidated. The purpose of centralizing these lawsuits in one court is to avoid conflicting rulings and reduce duplicative discovery into common issues within all the cases. This would also be more convenient for witnesses, judges, and all other parties involved. On December 22, 2015, Pfizer filed a response, indicating it does not oppose the request to consolidate the cases.
It should be noted that that Pfizer is stating that there is no connection between Viagra and melanoma, claiming that there is no scientific evidence that the drug causes skin cancer. However, we have learned that this is simply not the case.
How Can AMA Law Help?
Attorneys at AMA Law have followed the Viagra-melanoma cases closely over the years. We understand how serious the allegations against Pfizer are and are prepared to represent those affected throughout Oklahoma. If you or a loved one has experienced negative side effects after taking Viagra – such as melanoma – please contact our Oklahoma law firm today. Since 1998, Viagra has been prescribed to more than 35 million men, and while it is considered safe by many, recent studies indicate the medication may cause more serious problems than initially thought. As many of the lawsuits indicate, Pfizer knew about the dangers associated with Viagra, yet failed to warn consumers. This is a serious issue that should only be handled by those who understand the ins and outs of the legal system. To schedule a free consultation with one of our dangerous drug or product liability lawyers, please contact AMA Law today.