6/8/2015
Viagra may increase melanoma risk by 84%. This is hard news to report, but something every man must understand: your “little blue pills” may end up giving you “little brown spots,” according to recent studies showing a correlation between Viagra use and incidence of melanoma skin cancer. At present, only one federal suit has been filed but more may be coming.
In summer 2014, JAMA Internal Medicine released a study in which men who used the “little blue booster pack” were 84% more likely to get melanoma over a ten-year period than were their counterparts who abstained. It should be noted though, that correlation is not causation. Put differently, just like use of the “little blue pill” correlates to a sturdy baton, it does not necessarily cause a great symphony.
The experts who issued the study admit that more research is needed before they can say that a causal link exists between Viagra and melanoma. They say, “Sildenafil [generic Viagra] use may be associated with an increased risk of developing melanoma,” however, they don’t believe a change in the drug’s labeling is called for at this point in time. Apparently, they’re sticking with the “four hour” problem and not the correlation with a deadly disease.
Perhaps I’m just an overly cautious kinda guy, but I think Pfizer (producers of Viagra) should put the information on the label. Despite the regular phone calls I get from some crazed pharmaceutical telemarketer in Washington State, I don’t have need of Pfizer’s “passion pill.” However, if I did need a jump-start in such form, I would appreciate knowing that there is a correlation between its use and cancer. While it isn’t causation (that we know of, anyway) it would still be nice to make an informed decision.
In short (pardon the term), letting consumers know that a moment of pleasure may increase their risks of serious suffering is just the ethical thing to do. At least this time, the warning is more truthful than what we were told about going blind or growing palm hair.
Edward C. agrees. EC is the first plaintiff to sue Pfizer because he believes he got melanoma from using Viagra. See, EC had ED and took the “LBP” for about four years before he was diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer. He claims that Pfizer either knows or should have known that there was a risk factor greater than four hours of discomfort and an inability to stand up in a crowded room. He further believes that Pfizer should have informed doctors and potential users of that risk.
Lest anyone think that EC is after EZ money due to his experience with ED meds, the FDA is not all that happy, either. The agency sent a letter to Pfizer in 2008 expressing deep concerns over how the company marketed the miracle med that raises the dead. It was specifically targeting videos aired by CNN stating, “The video raises public health and safety concerns through its complete omission of risk information for Viagra by suggesting that Viagra is safer than has been demonstrated.”
The FDA requested that Pfizer hold back such advertising and prove that it had a plan ready to release with more truthful information about Viagra risks.
Melanoma (and other cancers) is no laughing matter. I am making light here only because using Viagra is one possible way to increase the risk of developing such a serious disease. I’m a guy, I get that we all want to be “ready to roll” like we were in our younger days. However, there comes a time when we just have to accept that we’re not walking erections in comfortable shoes. This is especially true when news like this comes out.
For the record: Unless proven beyond a reasonable doubt that such pharmaceutical “pick me ups” are safe, Nature can take its course in my life if it so chooses. I’d rather be alive to salute a limp flag then dead with a four-hour boner.
One last comment?
Edward C? Not Edward Clark or Edward Clancy, Edward C. If he’d been taking diabetes medication that might be linked to cancer, we’d be seeing his name all over the place as the brave plaintiff fighting the Big Pharma giant. Instead, we live in a society that has come to judge the natural passing of time as a failure and an embarrassment. So what, EC has ED? What do we care? It happens. It’s high time we get over our locker-room inability to discuss sex and sexuality like rational beings.
I’m hopping of off my soapbox now. Brad’s giving me the high sign that he’s only got an hour left on the clock so I need to go. Hey, I said I wouldn’t take the stuff. I never said he couldn’t…
Source:
Growing Concern Among Men Over Viagra Melanoma Risk
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