Viagra Frequently Asked Questions

Those who take the drug Viagra or other related drugs can face unexpected and often serious side effects that can cause significant injury, and in some cases, death. Primarily intended for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, Viagra and other drugs like it carry risks of certain side effects, such as issues with the heart and even an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer. If you have developed the skin cancer melanoma or another medical condition after taking Viagra, you have rights that deserve to be protected.

If you or someone you love has been harmed by Viagra, the highly experienced attorneys at Gilman & Bedigian are here to fight for you. Here, we answer frequently asked questions about the medication, as well as what to do once you have suffered injury.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Viagra?

Viagra is a prescription medication that is used to treat erectile dysfunction (the inability to get and maintain an erection.) Viagra helps a male patient to get an erection when sexually stimulated, but is not designed to spur one in other circumstances. Viagra is not for use in women or in children.

2. What is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction occurs when there is not enough blood flow to the penis, which prevents an erection. This sexual health problem affects approximately 30 million men in the United States. Erectile dysfunction can be caused by:

cardiovascular disease
diabetes
hypertension
hyperlipidemia
damage from cancer or surgery
injuries
obesity or being overweight
increased age
stress
anxiety
relationship problems
drug use
alcohol use
smoking

3. What other types of erectile dysfunction drugs like Viagra exist?

While Viagra and its generics are considered the most common drug for treatment of erectile dysfunction, others also exist and can have similar side effects and dangerous conditions caused by them, including:

Cialis (Tadalafil)
Levitra (Vardenafil
Staxyn (Vardenafil)
Stendra (Avanafil)

These drugs often have the same or similar health risks associated as Viagra and can just as easily be the cause of the harm you suffered. If you used Viagra or another erectile dysfunction drug and were harmed by it, you should consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible.

4. What side effects can Viagra cause?

Viagra can be the cause of some very serious side effects, some that are more dangerous than others. Common side effects listed by the company include:

Priapism: An erection that will not go away and lasts more than four hours. Priapism can lead to permanent damage of the penis.
Vision Loss: Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes can be caused by a condition known as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and is a possible side effect of Viagra use.
Hearing Loss: A sudden loss of or decrease in hearing is another serious side effect. Some patients get tinnitus (a persistent ringing in the ears) or experience dizziness as a result.
Headache
Upset Stomach
Changes in color vision
Back pain
Muscle pain
Heart attack
Stroke
Irregular Heartbeat

These side effects can lead to serious and often irreparable damage.

5. Can Viagra cause cancer?

Nearly 200 men who took the drug Viagra are suing the company because they say it increased their risk of developing melanoma, a dangerous and malignant form of skin cancer that kills more than 50,000 people per year. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association determined that while it could not say that Viagra causes melanoma, Viagra may be associated with an increased risk of developing that particular cancer.

If you developed a melanoma or other skin cancer after being prescribed Viagra, our team is here to help you.

6. Can I sue the manufacturer of the drug for my injuries?

When a drug manufacturer creates and sells a defective drug that causes injury, you can file a products liability lawsuit against that company to be compensated for your injuries. A defective product lawsuit allows you to prove that the drug caused the injuries you suffered, and prove the amount of damages you suffered.

7. Can I sue my doctor for medical malpractice in a “failure to warn” lawsuit?

Doctors may be liable for medical malpractice for prescribing Viagra in one of two ways. First, if they fail to warn you of the possible known side effects and you are harmed by them, you could be able to file a “failure to warn” medical malpractice lawsuit against your physician.

Doctors are also required to make sure it is safe to prescribe the drug to you. There are certain types of men who should not take the drug based on your health condition. If a doctor prescribes you the drug when the doctor knew or should have known about a medical condition that render you ineligible to take the medicine, a medical malpractice claim can hold the doctor responsible.

8. What experience does your firm have with Viagra lawsuits?

Our firm is highly experienced in representing patients injured by the use of Viagra. Our firm is highly experienced in the area of medical malpractice law and product liability law. We understand the complicated medical issues associated with this medication, as well as how to prove that your injuries were caused by it. Our team of experts is ready to put in the time on your individual case to make sure your rights are protected.

9. What financial compensation can I receive?

A person who takes Viagra or one of its similar types of drugs, and is harmed can sue the company or the doctor for financial compensation, as appropriate. This compensation can include, but is not limited to:

cost of medical bills
future medical costs
rehabilitation costs
pain and suffering
lost wages
loss of consortium
damages related to loss of ability to get pregnant
wrongful death damages

These money damages help to make you and your family whole after the harm caused by the medication. You deserve to have your health protected, and your life made whole.

Viagra Lawyers in Philadelphia

When Viagra or other erectile dysfunction drugs cause you harm, you are entitled to bring a medical malpractice and/or products liability claim to receive financial compensation. The experienced attorneys at Gilman & Bedigian have the knowledge and years of practice to fight for your rights.