Viagra, Cialis & Levitra Information and Warnings
Viagra, Cialis & Levitra are three similar drugs used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). They work by increasing smooth muscle relaxation and blood vessel dilation, which allows more blood to flow to the penis. These drugs have raised a great deal of controversy because they have been linked to serious and sometimes deadly side effects.
Suffered harm from Viagra? You may have a lawsuit. Click here, for a top rated law firm to evaluate your legal rights.
A study published in 2006 in the British Journal of Ophthalmology was done at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. The study compared men taking Viagra or Cialis (Levitra was not included in the study) who had a history of heart problems with those who did not. The study found that men who had a history of heart attack or high blood pressure 10 times more likely to develop non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), or stroke of the eye, than men without that history. The study found a smaller increased risk of NAION in men with a history of hypertension. An earlier article in the June 2005 issue of the British Journal of Ophthalmology had reported 7 confirmed cases in which men had developed NAION in the first 3 days of using Viagra.
From 1998 to 2004, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) received 38 reports of vision loss linked to the use of Viagra and 5 cases with the other two ED drugs. The difference is understandable, since Viagra had been on the market for the full 6 years, while Cialis and Levitra had only been released for a few months at the time of those reports. The FDA required the manufacturers to issue Viagra, Cialis & Levitra warnings. See Drug Warnings: Viagra, Cialis & Levitra Side Effects and Risks for more information.
The consumer advocacy group Public Citizen Health Research Group has criticized the FDA for not taking stronger action and has called for a Viagra, Cialis & Levitra black box warning for NAION. Public Citizen’s own review of research indicates that men taking Viagra are 18 time more likely to develop NAION than other men with similar risk factors, and that men taking Cialis are 25 times more likely to develop NAION. Charles Grassly (R. Iowa) chair of the Senate Finance Committee has requested FDA documents to explain why the FDA had taken so long to notify the public about the risk of NAION.
If you are taking an ED drug and notice changes in your vision, you should stop taking the drug and see your healthcare provider immediately. You should also get immediate help if you notice any problems with your heart or blood pressure. If you’ve been injured by Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra side effects, you may be able to get damages for your injuries. Your first step is to have your ED drug case evaluated by an experienced attorney. See Viagra, Cialis & Levitra Attorney and Lawyer – How to Hire for tips on where to find a qualified lawyer.
Check out the following articles for more information about Viagra, Cialis & Levitra, filing a Viagra, Cialis & Levitra lawsuit and finding a Viagra, Cialis & Levitra attorney.
- For more information about Viagra, Cialis & Levitra, see Drug Overview: Viagra, Cialis & Levitra Side Effects and Claims.
- For more information about Viagra, Cialis & Levitra side effects, see Viagra, Cialis & Levitra Side Effects – Heart Attack, Hypertension, NAION.
- To find out more about the FDA warning, see Viagra, Cialis & Levitra Side Effects and Risks.
- If you would like to learn more about Viagra, Cialis & Levitra lawsuits, see Viagra, Cialis & Levitra Lawsuits, Litigation & Lawyers.
- To learn more about Viagra, Cialis & Levitra attorneys and how to find one, see Hiring a Viagra, Cialis & Levitra Attorney and Lawyer.
Suffered harm from Viagra? You may have a lawsuit. Click here, for a top rated law firm to evaluate your legal rights. |