Viagra Harmful Side Effects - Do You Have Questions?

What is Viagra?

Viagra has the generic name of sildenafil citrate, and is marketed by Pfizer Inc. Viagra is prescribed for men who suffer from erectile dysfunction, commonly referred to as ED. Viagra is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitor, which is designed to assist men who suffer from ED, by slightly dilating the arteries in order to increase blood flow in the penis so that these men can maintain an erection when sexually aroused. Viagra received its approval in 1998, and has been widely prescribed, as it has been reportedly used by approximately 23 million men. Since the drug was introduced, it has been the subject of widespread marketing campaigns by Pfizer. Some reports estimate that sales of Viagra were approximately $1.74 billion in 2002.

Viagra Side Effects

Common side effects of Viagra may include, headache, upset stomach, diarrhea, urinary tract infection, and flushed skin. Viagra may be linked to more harmful side effects including, painful erections that may last for several hours, and the lowering of blood pressure to unsafe levels if Viagra is taken with drugs known as nitrates and alpha-blockers. Low blood pressure may lead to additional harmful problems such as heart attacks or stokes.

Viagra linked to Vision Problems

Viagra may be linked to vision problems, including blindness. Viagra may cause changes in visions, such as blurred vision, difficulty distinguishing between blue and green colors, or noticing a blue tinge to objects. According to some reports, some men have reported suffering form partial loss of eyesight after taking Viagra. Vision loss allegedly associated with Viagra is believed to be caused by blood flow being blocked to the optic nerve. This condition is known as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, commonly referred to as NAION. This condition, which reports indicate is the most common cause of sudden vision loss in older Americans, leads to swelling around the optic disc. The optic disc is a connection point where the optic nerves reach the back of the eye. Vision loss may occur if the swelling that occurs compresses the optic nerves.

Viagra and FDA Label Change

The FDA has received reports of 43 users of impotence drugs suffering from NAION related blindness . Of these 43 cases, 38 have been reported in users of Viagra. There are no known effective treatments for the blindness associated with NAION. In July 2005 the FDA announced that it had updated the labeling for Viagra, along with other popular ED drugs known as Cialis and Levitra. The new approved labeling includes information concerning vision loss and NAION in users of Viagra and alternative medications for ED.

Questions and Consultations

If you or a family member has used the prescription drug Viagra and noticed adverse side effects, such as vision problems, you should contact a physician immediately. If you would like to discuss your rights, are interested in more information on Viagra litigation, or if you have information about the cases that you would like to share with us, please fill out the free case evaluation form and a member of Seeger Weiss LLP's experienced staff will call you to discuss your potential rights concerning Viagra. Attorney consultations incur no obligation on your part and all initial consultations are free of charge and do not create an attorney-client relationship.